Cooking a whole chicken may feel intimidating, but it is actually really simple… especially if you make it in an air fryer! Here’s a delicious air fryer whole chicken recipe that is flavorful and packed with nutrients!

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

One of the Easiest Meals to Make that Lasts All Week!

We have chickens, but we currently only raise them for eggs and not meat. I often look for when whole chickens go on sale at our local Aldi–especially if they are organic! I’ll usually buy 2 or 3 depending on the price, and then I’ll freeze them until I’m ready to use them!

My sister-in-law taught me how to cook a whole chicken and make bone broth a few years ago, and since then it has become a staple in our home!

The first time I made it, I cooked it in a dutch oven. It was delicious, but I now prefer using an air fryer because it is quicker and gets crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

My Savory Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

I used to follow a recipe step-by-step, but now I use whatever fresh herbs, veggies, and spices I have on hand! Here’s one of my favorite combinations of ingredients for a flavorful whole chicken cooked in an air fryer.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs.)
1 tbsp olive
1 tsp salt
10 cracks fresh black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried, crushed sage
1 apple
1 head of garlic
1/2 onion

Tools

Recipe Steps

Open and drain the excess liquid from the whole chicken. Remove the giblets from the inner cavity of the chicken if they are inside. They could be in a bag depending on the brand of chicken.

Make a spice rub with all of the herbs and spices. Pat the chicken dry, brush olive oil on it, and then thoroughly cover it with the spice rub. Make sure to get under the legs and wings!

Chop the veggies and fruit, and stuff the inner cavity of the chicken with the apple, onion, garlic, and herbs.

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 30 minutes and 350 °F. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 30 minutes at 350 °F or until cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 165 °F.

Once slightly cool, shred the meat and serve with rice and veggies! Save the chicken carcass, extra veggies, and giblets to make bone broth.

Sides to Serve with this Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe

I usually serve this recipe with rice, crispy garlic potatoes, roasted broccoli or brussel sprouts, bread, and fresh fruit.

It would also be delicious with the following sides:

Roasted carrots
Parmesan asparagus
Skillet cornbread
Fresh garden salad
Pasta
White beans with tomatoes and herbs

What to Do with the Leftover Chicken

My family usually doesn’t eat all of the meat on the first day. Here’s some ideas for how to use the meat throughout the week in other meals!

Barbecue chicken flatbreads
Tacos
Quesadillas
Chicken salad sandwiches
On a salad
Veggie rice bowls
Chicken tortilla soup
Baked pasta
Chicken noodle soup
Chicken enchiladas
Stuffed peppers
Pad Thai

Don’t Forget to Make this Bone Broth Recipe!

Once you finish making your whole chicken, don’t discard the carcass! You can use it to make a nutrient-dense, delicious bone broth! I use bone broth in soups, rice, solo, and even in hot cocoa!

Get my easy bone broth recipe here!

You’ve Got to Try this Savory Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe!

Making a whole chicken may seem intimidating, but it is actually such a simple meal that can provide your family with food for the entire week! Use it the first day paired with veggies and rice. Use the leftover meat in soups, tacos, or on salads. Finally, use the bones and giblets to make a delicious bone broth that is full of nutrients!