Dreaming of a perfectly roasted whole chicken with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, but without heating up your entire kitchen? Say hello to the air fryer! These versatile countertop appliances have become a game-changer for home cooks, and finding the best air fryer for a whole chicken can truly transform your dinner game.
Air frying a whole chicken isn’t just convenient; it’s also a healthier way to enjoy your favorite poultry, using significantly less oil than traditional methods. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and that coveted crispy texture that makes everyone ask for seconds. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to the top models that can handle a whole chicken, delivering mouth-watering results every time. Plus, we’ll even touch on the star ingredient itself! Let’s dive into our top picks for the best air fryer for a whole chicken.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven
This multi-functional powerhouse isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a complete culinary command center designed to tackle everything from quick snacks to large family meals. What truly makes the Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven stand out is its impressive 26-quart capacity paired with elegant French doors, making it easy to monitor your perfectly rotisseried whole chicken without losing heat. Its versatility and spacious interior make it an excellent choice for those who want one appliance to do it all, from toasting to roasting.
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Key Features:
- A versatile air fryer and multi-cooker combo, elevating practically any meal.
- Perfectly done toast with an automatic shut-off and indicator light.
- 25 cooking pre-sets including Ribs, Defrost, Bake, Toast, Chicken, Pizza, Roast, and Rotisserie.
- Dual-speed fan for golden fried crisping with 360º superheated air circulation.
- Extra-large 26-quart capacity, suitable for 4–6 people, can rotisserie a 6-lb chicken.
- Stainless steel exterior with elegant French doors and an interior light.
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Pros:
- Extremely versatile with numerous cooking functions.
- Large capacity ideal for whole chickens and family meals.
- Dual-speed fan ensures even and crispy results.
- Stylish design with French doors adds aesthetic appeal to any kitchen.
- Easy to monitor cooking progress with interior light.
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Cons:
- Large footprint might take up significant counter space.
- Some users might find 25 presets overwhelming initially.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise this Emeril Lagasse appliance for its incredible versatility and the fantastic results it delivers across all cooking functions, especially for its roasting and rotisserie capabilities. Many highlight how it has replaced multiple single-use appliances in their kitchen.
Bell & Evans, Chicken Whole Fryer Bagged Air Chilled Step…
While our focus is primarily on the appliances, it’s crucial to remember that the quality of your ingredients plays a massive role in the final dish! The Bell & Evans Whole Fryer chicken is a prime example of a premium ingredient that will truly shine when cooked in your air fryer. Known for their high standards in animal welfare and natural practices, choosing a chicken like this ensures you start with the best foundation for a juicy, flavorful air-fried masterpiece. Its air-chilled process also contributes to crispier skin, making it an ideal candidate for your air fryer experiments.
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Key Features:
- Meets high standards for animal welfare, feed, and more.
- No antibiotics or added growth hormones (none approved for poultry production).
- No animal by-products in feed.
- Animal Welfare Certified Step 2 by Global Animal Partnership.
- Raised in the USA.
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Pros:
- High-quality, ethically sourced chicken.
- Air-chilled for better texture and less added water.
- Contributes to a superior flavor and juiciness in the cooked chicken.
- Supports sustainable and responsible farming practices.
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Cons:
- Generally more expensive than conventional chickens.
- Availability may vary by region or store.
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User Impressions: Shoppers consistently rave about the superior taste and texture of Bell & Evans chickens, noting their reliability for producing delicious and succulent meals, making them a top choice for home chefs who prioritize quality.
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Find it at your local premium grocery store
Ninja Air Fryer, 10QT DoubleStack XL 2-Basket, Compact…
The Ninja Air Fryer DoubleStack XL is a true innovator in the air fryer market, especially for families or anyone needing to cook multiple items simultaneously. Its unique stacked design allows you to cook two separate 5-lb chickens or a variety of other foods in nearly half the counter space of traditional side-by-side dual-basket models. This space-saving marvel boasts DoubleStack Air Frying Technology, ensuring both baskets cook efficiently and evenly. If you’re looking for the best air fryer for a whole chicken that also offers unparalleled multi-tasking capabilities without hogging your counter, this Ninja is a top contender.
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Key Features:
- Space-saving design, 40% slimmer than traditional 2-basket air fryers.
- DoubleStack Air Frying Technology with 2 independently controlled baskets.
- Includes 2 removable stacked meal racks for cooking on 2 levels per basket.
- Smart Finish feature for synchronized cooking and Match Cook for copying settings.
- XL family-sized 10-quart capacity, able to cook two 5-lb chickens at once.
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Pros:
- Excellent for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Compact footprint despite large capacity.
- Smart features like Smart Finish and Match Cook simplify meal prep.
- Can handle two whole chickens, perfect for larger gatherings.
- Superheated air ensures all-around crispness.
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Cons:
- Stacked design might require more vertical clearance under cabinets.
- Learning to utilize all four cooking zones effectively may take some practice.
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User Impressions: Users are incredibly impressed with the Ninja DoubleStack’s ability to cook a large volume of food efficiently and its compact design. The Smart Finish feature is a particular highlight, making complex meals much easier to coordinate.
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer
This 20-quart Gluck Air Fryer Oven is your ultimate kitchen multitasker, combining 10 appliances into one sleek unit. It’s not just an air fryer; it’s a toaster oven, a dehydrator, a roaster, and more. Its generous capacity means it can comfortably fit a whole chicken, making it a fantastic option for families. What truly sets this model apart is its commitment to non-toxic design, with all accessories being PFAS, PFOA, Teflon, and BPA-free. For health-conscious cooks seeking a large capacity, versatile air fryer oven, this is a brilliant choice that delivers powerful, precise, and healthy cooking.
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Key Features:
- 10-in-1 versatility: fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, toast, and more.
- Powerful 1800 watts and 360° hot air circulation for crispy exteriors and juicy interiors.
- Non-toxic design: all accessories are dishwasher-safe and free from harmful coatings.
- Large 20-quart family size, ideal for preparing whole chickens.
- Intuitive LED digital touch screen with one-touch cooking.
- Includes 11 accessories: rotating basket, drip tray, dehydrating racks, chicken fork, etc.
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Pros:
- Replaces multiple kitchen appliances, saving counter space.
- Large capacity accommodates whole chickens and large meals.
- Excellent cooking performance with 360° hot air circulation.
- Non-toxic materials are a big plus for health-conscious users.
- Comprehensive accessory kit provides great value.
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Cons:
- Its large size might be a consideration for smaller kitchens.
- Manual cleaning of some larger accessories might be needed despite being dishwasher safe.
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the sheer versatility and large capacity of this air fryer oven, often noting how it has simplified their cooking routines. The clear digital display and included accessories are frequently praised for making it user-friendly, even for beginners.
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, Extra Large Airfryer with…
The Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer is a true performance beast, earning accolades from top review sites for its speed and efficiency. Inspired by professional pizza ovens, its unique 360° heating technology with dual heating elements (top and bottom) significantly cuts down cooking time by up to 30% compared to traditional models. This means your whole chicken will be ready faster, with perfectly even cooking and less need for flipping. Beyond its speed, it boasts whisper-quiet operation and an ingenious self-cleaning mode, making it a standout for those who prioritize both efficiency and convenience in their kitchen gadgets. It’s easily one of the best air fryer for a whole chicken if speed and a quiet kitchen are high on your list.
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Key Features:
- Recommended by America’s Test Kitchen and voted best large-capacity air fryer by Reviewed USA Today.
- 360° Heating Technology with dual heating elements for up to 30% faster cooking.
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1 in cooking speed, e.g., 32 chicken wings in 14 minutes.
- Whisper-quiet operation at 55dB.
- 15-in-1 multifunctional cooking, consolidating multiple kitchen tools.
- Unique self-cleaning mode for effortless maintenance.
- Non-stick ceramic basket coating for easy release and cleaning.
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Pros:
- Exceptionally fast cooking times save significant time.
- Even cooking with dual heating elements reduces effort.
- Very quiet operation, enhancing the cooking experience.
- Self-cleaning function is a rare and highly convenient feature.
- Versatile with 15 cooking functions.
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to advanced features and performance.
- The self-cleaning mode takes 2 hours (though hands-off).
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User Impressions: Users are consistently amazed by the Typhur Dome 2’s incredible cooking speed and the even, delicious results it produces. The quiet operation and the innovative self-cleaning function are frequently highlighted as major advantages, making it a favorite for busy households.
Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer…
If you’re looking to achieve that classic rotisserie chicken at home without a dedicated rotisserie machine, the Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven is your answer. This appliance shines with its dedicated rotisserie chicken cooker function, complete with a stainless-steel spit that ensures crispy, golden-brown skin with minimal fat. Its 12-quart capacity is perfect for family-sized meals, including a whole chicken, and the wide temperature range from 95-450°F, along with 12 cooking presets, offers immense flexibility. The extra-large viewing window and interior lights are fantastic for monitoring your bird as it crisps to perfection, making it a strong contender for the best air fryer for a whole chicken with a rotisserie focus.
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Key Features:
- 6-in-1 functionality: air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast, reheat.
- Dedicated rotisserie chicken cooker with stainless-steel spit and forks.
- Large 12-quart capacity for family-sized meals.
- Wide low-to-high heat range (95-450°F) with rapid air heating elements.
- 12 cooking presets and easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen.
- Interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window for monitoring.
- Includes three cooking racks, rotisserie retrieval tool, and drip tray.
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Pros:
- Excellent for achieving rotisserie-style chicken at home.
- Generous capacity fits a whole chicken comfortably.
- Wide temperature range and presets offer great cooking versatility.
- Easy monitoring through the large window.
- All necessary accessories for rotisserie cooking are included.
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Cons:
- May require a bit of practice to perfect rotisserie setup.
- Being an oven-style, it can still have a decent counter footprint.
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User Impressions: Users are very satisfied with the Chefman’s ability to perfectly rotisserie a whole chicken, often praising the crispiness and even cooking. The large capacity and included accessories are frequently mentioned as highlights, providing great value and convenience.
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast TurboBlaze…
The COSORI Air Fryer with TurboBlaze Technology is a marvel of efficiency and performance in a surprisingly compact form. Its innovative 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉ deliver beyond-crispy results with incredible speed, perfect for getting that whole chicken perfectly cooked and juicy in record time. What sets this 6-quart model apart is its unique 5-fan speed system and precise temperature control, offering professional-grade versatility in a user-friendly package. Plus, it operates at a whisper-quiet less than 53 dB, ensuring a more pleasant cooking experience. For those seeking a compact yet powerful air fryer that doesn’t compromise on capacity for a whole chicken, this COSORI model is an exceptional choice.
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Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan and up to 450℉ for fast, crispy results.
- Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for evenly cooked dishes.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control.
- 6-quart square basket with a wider, deeper design for family meals.
- Operates at less than 53 dB for whisper-quiet performance.
- Achieves 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and accessories.
- Customizable preheat function and includes a 30-recipe cookbook.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast cooking times due to TurboBlaze technology.
- Excellent for achieving crispy textures with less oil.
- Quieter operation compared to many other air fryers.
- User-friendly with customizable preheat and a helpful cookbook.
- Compact design despite generous 6-quart capacity.
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Cons:
- Doesn’t have the “oven” style accessories like rotisserie spit (specific to basket models).
- Square basket shape might limit the size of a whole chicken compared to wider oven-style models.
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the COSORI TurboBlaze for its incredible speed and the superior crispy texture it imparts to food. Many appreciate its quiet operation and the ease of cleaning the non-stick basket, making it a go-to for daily family meals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size air fryer do I need for a whole chicken?
For a whole chicken, you’ll generally need an air fryer with a capacity of at least 5-6 quarts for smaller birds (around 3-4 lbs). For larger chickens (5-6 lbs), an 8-quart or larger basket-style air fryer, or an air fryer oven with a 10-quart+ capacity, is recommended. Always check the internal dimensions against your average chicken size.
How long does it take to air fry a whole chicken?
The cooking time for a whole chicken in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the chicken and the model of your air fryer. Generally, a 4-pound chicken can take anywhere from 50 to 70 minutes at temperatures between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for a whole chicken?
Yes, preheating your air fryer is highly recommended when cooking a whole chicken. Preheating ensures the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you place the chicken inside, promoting even cooking and helping to achieve that desirable crispy skin right from the start. A 5-10 minute preheat is usually sufficient.
Can I rotisserie a chicken in an air fryer?
Many larger air fryer oven models come with a rotisserie function and accessories (like a rotisserie spit). If your air fryer has this feature, you absolutely can rotisserie a whole chicken, which provides incredibly even cooking and crispy results all around as the chicken constantly rotates.
What are the benefits of air frying a whole chicken?
Air frying a whole chicken offers several benefits: it’s faster than traditional oven roasting, results in incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal oil, and doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen. It’s also a healthier alternative to deep frying, significantly reducing fat content.
How do I get crispy skin on my air-fried chicken?
To achieve crispy skin, ensure the chicken is patted very dry before cooking. You can also rub it with a little oil (olive oil or avocado oil work well) and season generously. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate. Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking can also help.
What internal temperature should a whole chicken be?
A whole chicken is safely cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.