Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer is a convenient way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat with less oil than traditional roasting methods. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken and the temperature used. Understanding how long to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer helps ensure that it is thoroughly cooked, safe to eat, and full of flavor.
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Prepare the Chicken
Before cooking, clean and pat the chicken dry.
Season it with your preferred herbs, spices, or marinade for extra flavor.
- Remove any packaging and giblets
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels
- Apply seasoning evenly over the chicken
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Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating helps the chicken cook more evenly and develop crispy skin.
Follow the recommendations for your specific air fryer model.
- Preheat for a few minutes if required
- Use the recommended temperature setting
- Ensure the basket is clean and ready
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Know the Average Cooking Time
The cooking time depends mainly on the weight of the chicken.
Larger chickens require more time than smaller ones.
- A 1.2 to 1.5 kg chicken usually takes 50 to 60 minutes
- A 1.5 to 2 kg chicken usually takes 60 to 75 minutes
- Turn the chicken halfway through cooking if recommended by the manufacturer
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Check for Doneness
The safest way to determine if the chicken is cooked is to check the internal temperature.
The meat should be fully cooked before serving.
- Internal temperature should reach 75°C in the thickest part
- Juices should run clear when pierced
- Meat should not be pink near the bone
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Rest Before Carving
Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps keep it juicy.
This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes
- Cover loosely if desired
- Carve and serve while warm
Also Read: How Long to Braai Chicken
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