Forget dry, overcooked chicken! This Cosori air fryer whole chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer. It's incredibly easy, surprisingly quick, and yields the most tender, juicy meat with unbelievably crispy skin. My family is obsessed (and I have a feeling yours will be too!). Get ready to discover the secret to perfect air fryer chicken every time!
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Why We Love This Recipe?
There are many answers to this question, especially if we like chicken and when making air fryer whole chicken:
- First, it is perhaps the easiest way to make a tasty and filling dinner.
- I can cook for at least four people from a chicken. But depending on the garnish and the chicken size, I can make even six servings.
- Chicken cooked in an air fryer will always come out ideally with crispy skin and soft and juicy meat.
- We only need three ingredients for this recipe. One free-range chicken, a little sunflower oil and spices to suit everyone's taste.
- If you make it in the Cosori XL air fryer, not only does it fit a chicken of generous size, but you have ready-made presets. So you don't have to sit next to it and check it.
I recommend trying other delicious Cosori air fryer recipes, such as:
Ingredients
For this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.8 kg whole chicken, free range: Opting for a free-range chicken not only ensures better flavour but also supports ethical farming practices. The size is perfect for feeding a family of four or providing leftovers for a couple.
I will season the chicken with:
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried: Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavour that complements the chicken beautifully. Its versatility makes it a staple in many poultry dishes.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, kosher: Kosher salt is preferred for its coarse texture and pure flavour. It enhances the natural taste of the chicken without being overly salty.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a sharp bite and depth of flavour that pre-ground pepper simply can't match. It's a classic pairing with chicken and other meats.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient way to infuse the chicken with a savoury garlic flavour. It blends well with the other spices and adds a subtle warmth.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable mix: This spice blend likely adds a layer of complexity with various herbs and spices, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika: will add a beautiful red colour to the chicken and contribute a warm, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of smokiness.
And because I like the chicken's skin to taste sweeter, and become crispy:
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (or any vegetable oil): Sunflower oil helps to crisp up the chicken skin in the air fryer and allows the spices to adhere better. Its neutral flavour won't overpower the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps to create a beautifully caramelized glaze on the chicken skin. It's the perfect finishing touch for this flavourful dish.
How to Make the Cosori Air Fryer Whole Chicken Recipe?
First, we will season the chicken with the spice mixture and cook it.
Seasoning the Chicken
Mix the thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and vegetable mix with the sunflower oil. Pour the fragrant spice mixture over the chicken and massage it in thoroughly, ensuring the spices are well distributed and penetrate the skin.
Ideally, you'd want to season the chicken ahead of time for the most intense flavour. But if you're short on time (like I was today!), don't worry! Seasoning it right before cooking will still give you a delicious result.
Setting the Cosori Air Fryer
The Cosori air fryer offers eleven pre-settings to perfectly cook various foods. For this recipe, we'll use the convenient "Chicken" setting, which automatically sets the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and the cooking time to thirty minutes.
For best results, preheat the air fryer before cooking the chicken. This will help achieve crispy skin and ensure even cooking. Simply press the "Preheat" and "Start" keys on the screen.
Cooking the Chicken
To make cleaning the Cosori air fryer easier, I'll line the air fryer basket with parchment paper before adding the spiced chicken. I'll place the chicken in the basket breast-side down.
Close the drawer and press the "Start" key. You'll hear the fan kick on as the air fryer begins to work its magic. Over the next thirty minutes, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of the spices as the chicken cooks to golden perfection. (This is the perfect time to whip up a quick salad or side dish!)
Turn Upside Down the Chicken
After half an hour, flip the chicken breast-side up. Continue cooking with the same "Chicken" setting for another half hour.
When you open the air fryer, you'll be greeted by the sight of a beautifully golden-brown chicken with irresistibly crisp skin. The aroma wafting from the air fryer will be simply divine – a savory blend of herbs and spices that will make your mouth water.
Glaze
After the other thirty minutes have passed, I brush the chicken skin with honey and let it fry at 190 degrees Celsius (375 F) for another five minutes. The honey will caramelize and turn a deep golden brown, creating an even crunchier skin with a fantastic sweet and savoury flavour.
The Cosori air fryer whole chicken is ready! Before serving, I like to wrap it in foil and let it rest for five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bird. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Variations
This Cosori air fryer whole chicken recipe is a fantastic base, but there's always room for creativity! Here are some delicious flavour variations you can try:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice to the spice rub for a bright and zesty flavour. Use herbs like rosemary, oregano, and parsley for an herbaceous touch.
- Spicy Chicken: Kick up the heat with spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of honey in the glaze and add some minced garlic for a more pronounced honey garlic flavour.
- BBQ Chicken: Use your favorite BBQ rub for a smoky and tangy twist. You can also brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herbed Butter Chicken: Rub a mixture of softened butter and herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and parsley) under the skin of the chicken before air frying like in my garlic butter roasted chicken. This will add extra flavour and moisture.
How to Store the Fried Chicken
Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation and bacterial growth. Store the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Place the chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This helps to minimize bacterial growth. Refrigerated cooked chicken can be safely stored for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat chicken in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the chicken from drying out.
But don't let those leftovers go to waste! You can transform the remaining meat into a vibrant and flavorful salad, like the one in my best homemade chicken salad recipe. Or, use it to create some satisfying sandwiches, such as chicken salad sandwiches or wraps. Check out my other recipes for more delicious ideas!
Serving the Dish
The Cosori air fryer whole chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Some classic options include creamy garlic mashed potatoes, crispy seasoned French fries, or even my best potato salad with homemade mayonnaise.
For a lighter accompaniment, I opted for a simple garlic sauce drizzled over the chicken and a refreshing summer salad. The combination of flavours and textures was absolutely delightful!
FAQ
In general, you can expect a whole chicken to cook about 20-30% faster in an air fryer compared to a traditional oven, because:
- Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food quickly and evenly. The hot air circulates around the food, cooking it from all sides at once.
- Air fryers are typically smaller than ovens, which means they heat up faster and require less energy to maintain the temperature. This also contributes to faster cooking times.
Yes, you absolutely can cook chicken and potatoes together in an air fryer! It's a fantastic way to make a complete meal with minimal effort. Here's why it works:
- Chicken and potatoes generally have similar cooking times, especially when you cut the potatoes into smaller pieces.
- The air fryer's circulating hot air ensures that both the chicken and potatoes cook evenly and get nicely browned.
- The flavours of the chicken and potatoes complement each other beautifully.
Loved this Cosori air fryer whole chicken recipe? Show some love by liking this post and sharing it with your friends! Don't forget to follow me on social media for more delicious recipe ideas: Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Related
The Cosori Air fryer whole chicken recipes are delicious among the family's preferences, so I recommend some more delicious chicken recipes from our blog:
Cosori Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Cosori Air Fryer XL
- 1 parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg whole chicken free range
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1 teaspoon sea salt kosher
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon vegetable mix
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil or any vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Mix all the spices with the sunflower oil, pour it over the chicken and massage it well so that the spices penetrate well into the skin.1.8 kg whole chicken, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon vegetable mix, 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- Put parchment paper in the air fryer basket and place it on the spiced chicken, first with the breast down.
- Press the chicken key on the Cosori air fryer screen then press "start", and the appliance will cook at 180 degrees Celsius (356 F) for thirty minutes.
- After half an hour, turn the chicken upside down and cook it for another half hour at 180 degrees Celsius (356 F).
- Grease the chicken with honey with a brush and let it fry at 170 C (338 F) for another five minutes.1 tablespoon honey
- Wrap the roasted chicken in foil and let it rest for five minutes.
- Serve the Cosori air fryer whole chicken whith cabbage salad and garlic sauce.
Roberta Doctor says
This was the first thing I made in our air fryer aa- and it did not disappoint! The hardest part was turning the chicken over midway through cooking it!
James says
@Roberta Doctor, just received my new cosori dual 6.4 litre blaze, your chicken demerstration
Looks great. Will try it shortly, having difficulty, finding recipes for this dual blaze.
Best wishes,
James.
Theresa Inziello says
Just one problem with this recipe. Preheat without the parchment paper. It will catch fire ecause of the air circulation in the fryer.
Hope this is helpful.
Laci says
Thank you, Theresa. Yes, it's true; preheating the air fryer is done without baking paper.