The best air fryer rotisserie chicken recipe that’s easy and yields the crispiest skin with juicy, tender meat! It’s the perfect recipe to accompany easy weeknight dinners and can be served in so many different ways!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
I’ve been a huge fan of my air fryer for a while now, and I’m always amazed at how fast the food cooks as well as the amazing texture it delivers. However, it was only in the past few months that I asked, “Can you cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?” I tried it out several times since then testing out different methods, times, and temperatures, and I’ve been absolutely in love with how easy and delicious the result is!
This Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken just requires a whole chicken and spices for the rub. The result is tender and juicy meat with a crispy, flavorful skin that’s just so delicious and wonderful. Plus, it’s low carb, keto, and Whole30 compliant! It beats store-bought Rotisserie chicken every single time!
It’s so much faster than the classic oven method with an even better texture. I’ve been making this recipe at the beginning of the week, then enjoying it in various ways for my whole family for the next several days. It’s been so great for meal prep! A complete game changer.
More easy air fryer recipes: Healthy Air Fryer Frozen Salmon, Easy Air Fryer Ham, and Extra Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks.
Ingredient Notes
- raw whole chicken: If you’re using a frozen chicken, make sure it is thawed.
- ghee or butter: You can make your own ghee here, or purchase it pre-made. Other cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil also works!
Spice Mixture
Of course, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. This is my go-to spice mix for that classic rotisserie chicken flavor!
- sea salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- thyme
- paprika
- dried oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions
It doesn’t matter if you have a basket-style air fryer or an oven-style. The instructions are the same! Here’s how to cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer:
- Make sure to pat dry the chicken on all sides with paper towels. This ensures that rub will stick better to the chicken and the skin will get crispy.
- Make the rub by combining ghee and the spices in a small bowl. Stir until it becomes a thick paste.
- Cover the entire chicken with the spice rub to coat evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- Put the chicken in the air fryer basket BREAST SIDE DOWN, then cook for 45 minutes.
- Flip the chicken breast side up then cook for another 10-15 minutes until the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. I use this instant-read thermometer and I love it.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Expert Tips
- This recipe is for a 5lb chicken. If you have a smaller chicken or a larger chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To cook a whole chicken, you’ll need a 6 or 8-quart air fryer.
- You can find fresh whole chickens at the grocery store or in the frozen section. If you use a frozen chicken, make sure it’s thawed first.
Serving Tips
There are so many ways to use this chicken! Besides eating it on its own with some yummy sides, here are some of my favorite recipes you can make.
- Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Hearty Chicken Salad
- Whole30 Kale Chicken Caesar Salad + The Best Whole30 Caesar Dressing
- White Chicken AIP Chili
- Paleo Burrito Bowl
- Whole30 Cobb Salad
- Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Salad
Storage Tips
You can store leftover chicken for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, that’s actually how I personally like to reheat this chicken. The skin crisps right back up and it tastes like freshly roasted chicken! Just air fry the leftover parts of the chicken for 5-10 minutes at 360 degrees F.
To get extra crispy skin, make sure to pat dry the skin well before adding the spice rub. The air fryer is great because it gets the skin crispier than the oven so I highly recommend this method!
More Delicious Recipes
- Extra Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks – Oven Method Included
- Extra Crispy Whole Roast Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Soup
- Pan-Roasted Chicken with Figs & Olives
If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!
Easy Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 5 lbs – giblets removed
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dry
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken on all sides with a paper towel.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl to make a paste rub.
- Massage the chicken all over with the rub evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer BREAST SIDE DOWN, then cook for 45 minutes.
- Flip the chicken breast side up and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the thickest part of the thighs reaches 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer, then rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
Expert Tips
- This recipe is for a 5lb chicken. If you have a smaller chicken or a larger chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.Â
- To cook a whole chicken, you’ll need a 6 or 8-quart air fryer.
- You can find fresh whole chickens at the grocery store or in the frozen section. If you use a frozen chicken, make sure it’s thawed first.Â
Serving Tips
There are so many ways to use this rotisserie chicken! Besides eating it on its own with some yummy sides, here are some of my favorite recipes you can make.- Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Hearty Chicken Salad
- Whole30 Kale Chicken Caesar Salad + The Best Whole30 Caesar Dressing
- White Chicken AIP Chili
- Paleo Burrito Bowl
- Whole30 Cobb Salad
- Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Salad
Storage Tips
You can store leftover chicken for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.
this sounds like “air fryer chicken” not Rotisserie chicken. Why can’t I use the rotisserie attachment?
You can. But you may need to use a smaller chicken and adjust the seasoning. I have the attachment and a 5 pounder is too big to fullly rotate in the air fryer, and I like to cook larger sized chicken so it lasts through several meals for my family. It’s up to you!
I have a chicken brining in the fridge right now. I’m going to give this a try. Sounds delicious. Thank you!
Yay! Hope you enjoy!!
This recipe is super easy and incredibly delicious! The chicken is very tender and the spice rub is amazing. This will be in the regular rotation in our home!
Thank you so much!
This recipe is amazing! Probably the best, and not mention easy, rub to prepare. It was great on the air fryer chicken. Now making it for ribs! Definitely a keeper recipe. 🙂
Thank you so much!!
I’d love to try this, but I have a Typhur dome air fryer and I’m not sure a whole chicken will fit. Can you give suggestiosn for times if I broke it up or if I spatchcocked it? Love your recirps and content, thank you!
Natalie
Hi! Yes, you can cook spatcocked chicken the same way. I would reduce the cooking time to 35-40 minutes total.