extra-crispy skin in about an hour, which is faster than a conventional oven. 

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Key Steps for a Perfect Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Size Matters: Most standard air fryer baskets (around 5.8 quarts) fit a 3.5 to 4-pound chicken comfortably. A larger chicken may require a bigger air fryer or an oven-style model to avoid touching the heating element.

Preparation:

Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels; this is crucial for crispy skin.

Rub the chicken with oil (olive or avocado oil work well) and your choice of seasonings, ensuring an even coat inside and out. Popular seasonings include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning.

Bring the chicken to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Cooking Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F–360°F (175°C–182°C).

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket first. This protects the white meat from overcooking and keeps it juicy during the initial cook.

Cook for 30–40 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken over so it is breast-side up.

Continue cooking for an additional 20–30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (away from the bone) registers at least 165°F (74°C).

Resting: Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes on a cutting board before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing it from drying out. 

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This method yields a delicious, rotisserie-style chicken with minimal effort and easy cleanup.