Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
Home Party Delight: Crispy & Juicy Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
Experience the nostalgic taste of traditional fried chicken with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside and incredibly moist on the inside!
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1kg)
- 1 cup milk (200ml)
Seasoning & Herbs
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp shiitake mushroom salt (or regular salt)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp shiitake mushroom salt (or regular salt)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the whole chicken by trimming any excess skin if you prefer a less fatty result. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of milk and add a pinch of salt (you can omit this if using shiitake mushroom salt). Mix well to ensure the chicken is submerged. Refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours) to marinate. Marinating in milk not only removes any gamey odors but also tenderizes the meat significantly.
Step 2
After marinating, lightly rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Now it’s time to season the chicken. Generously sprinkle the shiitake mushroom salt (or regular salt), black pepper, and dried herbs all over the chicken, both inside and out. For added aroma, you can stuff the cavity with half a lemon, a quartered onion, and a few cloves of garlic. These aromatics will infuse the chicken as it cooks. (Stuffing is optional).
Step 3
Place the seasoned chicken into your air fryer basket. If the chicken is slightly too large, you can gently bend its legs to fit. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F). Once preheated, place the chicken inside and set the cooking time for 50 minutes.
Step 4
After about 20 minutes of cooking, check the chicken’s progress. Air fryers tend to cook the top more intensely, so the upper side might be browning faster. If the top is nicely golden brown, carefully flip the chicken over. This step ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Step 5
Continue cooking for the remaining time after flipping. While the total time is set to 50 minutes, cooking times can vary depending on the chicken’s size and your specific air fryer model. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed to reach your desired level of doneness. The chicken is fully cooked when a skewer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh yields clear juices.
Step 6
Since we removed the skin, the chicken will have much less grease, resulting in a wonderfully lean and clean flavor. The exterior should be beautifully golden and crisp from the air frying process.
Step 7
Thanks to the milk brine and the seasoning with herbs and shiitake salt, the chicken is flavorful enough to be enjoyed without extra dipping sauce. However, if you prefer, feel free to serve it with your favorite condiments like mustard, ketchup, or a special chicken sauce. This roasted chicken is best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot!
