Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken.

Equipment

• Air Fryer (large enough to fit a whole chicken, typically 5.8 quarts or larger)
• Kitchen twine
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3.5 to 4 lbs / 1.6 to 1.8 kg), giblets removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 lemon, halved
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme (optional)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Zest of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

Part 1: Preparation (Time: 15 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels, inside and out. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin.
2. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the entire outside of the chicken with olive oil. In a separate small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Sprinkle this spice blend generously all over the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
4. Add Aromatics: Gently loosen the skin on the breasts and rub some of the herb butter directly onto the meat. Then, stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon and the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
5. Truss the Chicken: This step is key for even cooking. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wingtips under the body. This creates a compact, uniform shape that helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the wings and legs from burning.

Part 2: The Air Fry (Time: 50-60 minutes | Intensity: Medium)

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. This initial blast of heat helps the cooking process start immediately.
2. Place the Chicken: Carefully place the trussed chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket. It’s okay if it’s a snug fit, but it shouldn’t be touching the heating element. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, you can use the spit here, but it’s not necessary.
3. First Cook: Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
4. Flip and Continue: After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken over so it is now breast-side up. This ensures even browning. Continue to air fry for another 20-25 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear.
6. Crisp the Skin (If Needed): If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Part 3: The Final Step – Resting (Time: 10 minutes | Intensity: Low)

1. Rest the Chicken: This is the most important step for a juicy chicken. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it immediately, the juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat.
2. Carve and Serve: After resting, remove the twine and carve the chicken as desired. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal · Protein: 38g · Fat: 28g · Carbohydrates: 2g · Saturated Fat: 8g · Fiber: 0g · Sugar: 0g · Sodium: 600mg