Air Fryer Garlic Herb Whole Roast Chicken
A foolproof, family-sized whole roast chicken prepared entirely in the air fryer. Features an herb butter layer under the skin for succulent breast meat and perfectly crisp skin.
Ingredients
Main Chicken Assembly
- 1 whole Chicken 4.5 to 5.5 pounds, fully thawed and patted completely dry
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter thoroughly softened at room temperature
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil used for coating the exterior skin
- 0.5 whole Fresh Lemon placed inside the interior cavity
- 3 cloves Fresh Garlic smashed, placed inside the interior cavity
Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder divided use
- 1.5 tsp Onion Powder divided use
- 1.5 tsp Smoked Paprika rubbed on exterior skin
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme crushed lightly
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary crushed lightly
- 1.5 tsp Fine Sea Salt divided use
- 1.5 tsp Coarse Black Pepper divided use
Instructions
- Remove chicken from packaging, verify cavity is clear of giblet packets, and use quality paper towels to pat the entire skin completely dry.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to form a compound paste.
- Gently separate the skin from the breast meat using your fingers. Spread the herb butter compound directly onto the meat underneath the skin layer.
- Place the lemon half and smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity. Drizzle the outside skin with olive oil and rub evenly with the remaining spices and smoked paprika.
- Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down inside the 8-quart air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) on the Air Fry or Roast setting for 30 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken breast-side up using silicone-tipped tongs. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the inner thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the roasted chicken to a clean carving board and let it rest undisturbed for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Choose a bird under 6 pounds to prevent it from sitting too close to the top heating element. Save the pan drippings to make a fast, luxurious gravy!