Olivia Carter
Are you a fan of juicy, tender rotisserie chicken but don’t have a rotisserie oven at home? Don’t worry, there’s a solution!
As the popularity of air fryers continues to rise, it’s natural to wonder if you can use this versatile appliance to cook a rotisserie chicken. After all, air fryers are known for their ability to produce crispy, delicious meals with less oil.
The good news is that yes, you can cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer!
Using an air fryer to cook a rotisserie chicken is a convenient and healthier alternative to using a traditional rotisserie oven. It allows you to achieve similar results – juicy meat with a crispy skin – without the need for excessive oil or the hassle of using a large rotisserie oven.
So, how do you do it? To cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, you’ll need to spatchcock the chicken first, which means removing the backbone and flattening the bird. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and allows the skin to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Preparing to Cook
Before you begin cooking a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best results:
1. Thaw the Chicken
If your chicken is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This can be done by placing it in the refrigerator for 24 hours or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
2. Season the Chicken
To add flavor to your rotisserie chicken, season it with your choice of herbs and spices. A popular option is to use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
It is important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow the air fryer to heat up for around 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the Rotisserie Attachment
If your air fryer comes with a rotisserie attachment, make sure it is properly assembled and attached to the air fryer. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.
5. Place the Chicken in the Basket
Remove any excess moisture from the chicken and place it onto the rotisserie rod or basket, ensuring it is securely attached. If using a basket, make sure it is large enough to fit the chicken comfortably.
6. Insert the Rotisserie Attachment
Carefully insert the rotisserie rod or basket into the air fryer, ensuring it is properly aligned and balanced. Check that the chicken rotates smoothly without any obstructions.
7. Adjust the Cooking Time
Since cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific air fryer model, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cooking times. As a general guideline, a 4-pound (1.8 kg) chicken typically takes around 40-50 minutes to cook.
8. Start Cooking
Once the air fryer is preheated and the chicken is properly positioned, close the air fryer and set the timer to the recommended cooking time. Monitor the chicken periodically to ensure it is cooking evenly and adjust the temperature or cooking time if necessary.
9. Let it Rest
After the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful rotisserie chicken.
Following these steps will ensure that your rotisserie chicken is properly prepared and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Enjoy your delicious homemade rotisserie chicken with your favorite sides!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin cooking a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, gather the necessary ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Make sure the chicken is properly defrosted if it was frozen. Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken, as desired. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful rub for the chicken.
Once you have gathered and prepared all the ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking the rotisserie chicken in your air fryer.
Prepare the Air Fryer
Before you begin cooking your rotisserie chicken in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the appliance for use. Here are the steps to get your air fryer ready:
- Place the air fryer on a stable and heat-resistant surface.
- Plug in the air fryer and preheat it to the desired temperature. Preheating is essential for achieving perfectly cooked chicken.
- While the air fryer is preheating, remove any packaging or additional parts from the chicken, such as the string used for trussing.
- Lightly coat the basket or tray of the air fryer with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help prevent sticking and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- If your air fryer has adjustable racks, adjust them to accommodate the size of the chicken. Make sure there is enough space around the chicken for proper air circulation.
- Once the air fryer has preheated, place the prepared rotisserie chicken into the basket or onto the tray. Arrange it in a single layer for even cooking.
Now that your air fryer is prepared, you’re ready to cook the rotisserie chicken. Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for the best results. Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked or undercooked. Enjoy your delicious and crispy rotisserie chicken cooked in the air fryer!
Cooking the Chicken
Once you have prepared the rotisserie chicken and seasoned it to your liking, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned rotisserie chicken into the fryer basket. It’s important to make sure that the chicken is not overcrowded in the basket, as this can prevent proper airflow and even cooking. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific air fryer you are using. As a general guideline, cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
During the cooking process, you may want to check on the chicken and rotate it or flip it halfway through to ensure that it cooks evenly on all sides. This will help you achieve a crispy and golden-brown skin.
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Now that you know how to cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought rotisserie chickens. With a crispy skin and juicy meat, your homemade rotisserie chicken will be a crowd-pleaser!
Season the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken in an air fryer, it’s important to season it thoroughly to enhance the flavor. Here are some seasoning options:
- Salt and pepper: A classic combination that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Gives the chicken a delicious savory taste.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the chicken.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds depth to the chicken.
- Herbs de Provence: A French herb blend that includes savory, thyme, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs.
Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning to adhere better to the chicken. Sprinkle the desired seasonings all over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides.
After seasoning, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will result in a more flavorful and juicy chicken once cooked.
Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer
Once you have prepared your rotisserie chicken, it’s time to place it in the air fryer. Make sure to place the chicken in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, it’s a good idea to preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and reduces the overall cooking time.
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Make sure to place it breast side up for the best results. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, you can also make use of it to further enhance the taste and texture of the chicken.
If needed, you can also trim any excess skin or fat from the chicken before placing it in the air fryer. This will help reduce the overall calories and make the chicken healthier.
| Tip: | Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If needed, you can cook the chicken in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly. |
Once the chicken is in the air fryer, close the air fryer basket or lid. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and the timer for 30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific model of air fryer you are using.
During the cooking process, you can open the air fryer to check on the chicken’s progress and flip it halfway through if desired. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is cooked through.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Q&A
Can you cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. It will result in a juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy skin.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It uses minimal or no oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier cooking option.
How long does it take to cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer?
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the specific air fryer model. On average, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What temperature should I set my air fryer to cook a rotisserie chicken?
The recommended temperature for cooking a rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is 350°F (175°C). However, different air fryer models may have slight temperature variations, so it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I use a frozen rotisserie chicken in an air fryer?
No, it’s not recommended to cook a frozen rotisserie chicken in an air fryer. It’s important to thaw the chicken first to ensure even and complete cooking. Placing a frozen chicken in an air fryer may result in uneven cooking and a higher risk of undercooked meat.
