Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- If the chicken has giblets, make sure to remove them from the cavity.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). This creates a flavorful seasoning mixture.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken in the preheated air fryer basket, breast side down. This will help the skin crisp up nicely.
- Cook the chicken for about 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer’s size and brand, as well as the size of the chicken. You’ll want to aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken’s thigh.
- Flip and Continue Cooking:
- After the initial 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken so the breast side is up.
- Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked, and the skin is crispy.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
- Carve and Enjoy:
- Carve the chicken as desired and serve with your favorite side dishes.
