How to Make Air Fryer Fried Whole Chicken
If you want to make a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside whole fried chicken, the air fryer can help you achieve it easily. No hassle of deep frying, and it's healthier and tastier.
Why should you try this recipe?
First, the roasted whole chicken comes out with a golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, making each bite irresistible. Compared to traditional frying, cooking in an air fryer is much healthier because it reduces the use of oil significantly, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the taste, keeping the perfect combination of crispiness and tenderness.
Additionally, the cooking process is simple and requires minimal effort. Once placed in the air fryer, it takes care of most of the work, making it perfect for busy daily life. If you love fried chicken or are looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe is definitely worth trying!
Ingredients and Substitutes
Main Ingredients:
Three-Yellow Chicken: Tender meat, ideal for roasting, with a natural chicken flavor.
Accessories:
Green Onion: Enhances aroma and flavor, removes any undesirable smell.
Ginger: Boosts fragrance, removes unwanted odors, and enhances freshness.
Seasonings:
Light Soy Sauce: Provides a savory sauce flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and a rich sauce flavor.
Cooking Wine: Removes odors and enhances the cooking aroma.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor.
Salt: Basic seasoning to balance other flavors.
Orleans Marinade: Adds a unique spice flavor.
Honey: Enhances the sweetness of the chicken and helps with browning.
Substitutes:
Orleans Marinade: Can be replaced with other grilling seasonings, though the flavor will change.
Honey: Can be substituted with syrup or maple syrup, but the taste and browning effect will differ slightly.
Can an air fryer fit a whole chicken?
It depends on the size of your air fryer and the chicken. If you're cooking a chicken that's around 5-6 pounds (about 2.3-2.7 kg) and your air fryer is smaller than 5 quarts (around 4.7 liters), you may need to choose a smaller chicken.
However, if you have a larger air fryer or a traditional oven with an air fryer function, it should be able to fit a whole chicken!
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The most direct way is to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. When the temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), the chicken is cooked.
Be sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Secrets to Success
Marinating Time: Marinating is key to infusing flavor into the chicken. Marinate for at least 3 hours, but the longer, the better. For optimal flavor, marinate overnight so the chicken absorbs the seasoning, resulting in a richer taste after roasting.
Aluminum Foil Wrap: For the first 20 minutes of roasting, wrap the chicken in aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the skin from over-browning too quickly. This ensures the meat stays tender, and the skin doesn’t become too dry or hard.
Brushing Marinade: After removing the foil, brush the chicken with any leftover marinade and continue roasting. This step enhances the flavor of the skin, creating a delicious glaze.
Temperature Control: Start with a high temperature of 200°C for 20 minutes to lock in the moisture, then reduce to 180°C and roast for another 15 minutes. This method crisps up the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for a Three-Yellow Chicken, known for its tender meat and even fat distribution. This type of chicken gives the best results in the air fryer, providing a crispy exterior and tender interior.
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
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·1 whole Three-Yellow Chicken (about 1000g)
Accessories
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·2 stalks scallions
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·3 slices ginger
Seasonings
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·20ml light soy sauce
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·10ml dark soy sauce
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·15ml cooking wine
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·10ml oyster sauce
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·4g salt
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·10g Orleans marinade
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·15g honey
Table of Contents
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Clean the Three-Yellow Chicken and briefly blanch it in boiling water until the skin changes color, then drain it well.
Step 2
Place the chopped scallions and ginger slices on top of the chicken.
Step 3
Add 20 ml of light soy sauce, 10 ml of dark soy sauce, 15 ml of cooking wine, 10 ml of oyster sauce, 5g of salt, 10g of Orleans marinade, and 15g of honey. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 4
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
Step 5
After marinating, place the chicken in the air fryer and cover the chicken with aluminum foil.
Step 6
Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook for 20 minutes.
Step 7
Remove the foil, brush the chicken with the remaining marinade, then set the temperature to 180°C and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 8
Once done, take the chicken out, cut it into pieces, and enjoy the tender and juicy roasted whole chicken.
More recipes worth trying
Homemade Chicken Nuggets Air Fryer
Savory Lemon-Infused Chinese Fried Chicken
Delicious Homemade Braised Chicken Wings
How should I store and reheat leftover chicken?
Storing: Remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Don't forget to keep the bones – they make a delicious broth!
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can simply put it in the microwave. For added flavor, sprinkle a little salt and pepper, or drizzle some gravy over it for a richer taste!
Recipe Variations
Marinating Time:
The longer the marinating time, the more flavorful the chicken will be. If time allows, marinate for 6 hours or even longer for even juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Using Different Seasonings:
To add unique flavors, try adding curry powder, five-spice powder, or even rosemary and thyme. These herbs and spices will give the chicken more depth.
Using Different Sweeteners:
Instead of honey, try maple syrup. It adds a sweet, smoky flavor, especially when paired with roasted chicken.
Crispier Skin:
For a crispier skin, sprinkle some cornstarch or breadcrumbs after marinating. This will enhance the crispiness and give the chicken a more satisfying texture.
Switching to Different Meats:
If you prefer not to use a whole chicken, chicken breasts or thighs are great alternatives. Chicken breasts are leaner, while chicken thighs offer a richer flavor.
FAQs:
You can also try stir-fried garlic vegetables or sautéed seasonal veggies like Chinese lettuce or broccoli to add depth to the flavor.
For a richer flavor, serve it with pan-fried potatoes or rice for a more balanced meal!
When cooking in the air fryer, it’s a good idea to wrap the chicken in aluminum foil at first to lock in moisture. After a certain period, remove the foil so the skin can crisp up while keeping the inside juicy.
Also, avoid cooking at high temperatures for too long. Usually, 20 minutes at 200°C followed by lowering the temperature can prevent the chicken from becoming dry and tough.
Lastly, let the chicken rest for a while after cooking before cutting into it to allow the juices to distribute and maintain tenderness.
Blanching also helps the skin absorb the marinade better and makes the skin crispier after roasting, reducing moisture loss and enhancing the texture. Though simple, this step significantly improves the flavor and appearance of the fried chicken.
Using acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar in the marinade can speed up the absorption of flavors.
However, marinating for at least 3 hours allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat well, enhancing the overall flavor.
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