Air-Fryer Roast Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This air-fryer roast chicken is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy bird with crispy skin. Using just a few spices and the magic of the air fryer, you can have a wholesome roast chicken ready in under an hour.

Ingredients
- 2.25kg whole chicken
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken by removing the string and clearing out anything inside the cavity.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, garlic granules, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Place the chicken in a large bowl and rub the spiced oil mixture all over the chicken, coating it evenly.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C if your model requires preheating.
- Step 5: Carefully place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Turn the chicken over so it is breast-side up and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C and cook the chicken for a final 10–15 minutes to crisp the skin. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 70°C, or when the juices run clear when pierced.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spiced oil mixture for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of dried mixed herbs for a different herbal note.
- If your air fryer is small, consider halving the recipe or cutting the chicken into parts.
Storage
Store leftover roast chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to help crisp the skin again without drying out the meat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use a fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 70°C in the thickest part of the chicken. Alternatively, ensure the juices run clear when pierced with a skewer.
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Air-Fryer Roast Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This air-fryer roast chicken recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful whole chicken with crispy skin. Seasoned with smoked paprika, dried herbs, and garlic granules, the chicken is cooked entirely in an air fryer, offering a quicker and healthier alternative to traditional roasting methods.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2.25kg whole chicken
Seasoning Mix
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- ½ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove any string and contents from the cavity of the chicken. This ensures even cooking and proper seasoning penetration.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable oil, smoked paprika, dried mixed herbs, garlic granules, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to create a spiced oil mixture.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and rub the spiced vegetable oil mixture all over the chicken, coating it thoroughly to infuse flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 180°C (356°F) before cooking.
- First Cooking Stage: Carefully place the chicken breast-side down into the air fryer basket. Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C to start the roasting process and develop initial browning.
- Turn the Chicken: After 30 minutes, turn the chicken over so it is breast-side up and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes at the same temperature to ensure even roasting.
- Crisp the Skin: Increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C (392°F) and cook for a final 10-15 minutes. This step crisps the skin and finishes cooking the chicken.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 70°C (158°F), or pierce to see that the juices run clear.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute for moist meat.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed if previously frozen to guarantee even cooking.
- The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and chicken size; always use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Letting the chicken rest post-cooking helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
- You can adjust seasoning to your preference, adding extra herbs or spices as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer roast chicken, whole chicken recipe, crispy skin chicken, quick roast chicken, smoked paprika chicken

