Description

Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Whole Chicken involves seasoning a whole chicken with herbs and spices and cooking it in an air fryer, which speeds up the process and creates a perfectly crispy and juicy roast. This method requires little preparation and allows you to enjoy a beautifully roasted chicken with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Whole chicken (1.5-2 kg): The main protein, ideal for air frying.
Olive oil (2-3 tbsp): This helps crisp up the skin and allows the seasonings to stick.
Salt (1 tsp): Season the chicken evenly.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a mild, savory flavor.
Paprika (1 tsp): For color and a touch of warmth.
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage, optional): Adds fresh aroma and flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

Lemon (cut in half): Adds a fresh, zesty flavor when placed inside the cavity.
Onion and garlic cloves (for the cavity): Add depth of flavor to the chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin when roasting.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to mix well.
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Optional Aromatics

For added flavor, place lemon halves, onion wedges, and garlic cloves inside the cavity of the chicken if desired.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking

After 30 minutes, use tongs to flip the chicken breast side up.
Continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (without touching the bone) reads 75°C (165°F).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.