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Air Fried Chicken

Embrace the holidays with my Air Fried Chicken recipe, ideal for a festive feast for two. This simple, flavorful dish transforms a small chicken into a delightful meal, complete with the joys of leftovers. Perfect for intimate holiday dinners, it's a testament to the magic of the air fryer in creating a no-fuss, scrumptious entree.

I’m just bursting with excitement to unveil a holiday recipe that has a special place in my heart – my Air Fried Chicken.

Ever since I embraced the magic of the air fryer, my holiday cooking has transformed into an effortless joy, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you! Imagine placing a whole chicken in the air fryer and witnessing it turn into a golden, succulent masterpiece – yes, it’s possible, and oh, so splendid! 

This Air Fried Chicken is not just for the holidays; it’s a versatile gem that fits beautifully into any meal any time, any day.

The crispy skin, the tender, flavourful meat – it’s a feast for the senses any day of the week. And let’s talk about leftovers – they are simply divine, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals.

This recipe is a testament to the fact that great things come in small packages. Who said a whole chicken couldn’t be air-fried to perfection? With this dish, you’re set to impress, whether it’s a holiday dinner for two or a comforting meal on a regular day. 

Let’s delve deeper into the key ingredients of my Air Fried Chicken recipe and uncover the magic each one brings to the table:

Whole Organic Chicken: The centerpiece of our dish, the whole organic chicken is chosen for its superior quality and flavor. Opting for a smaller chicken, ideally suited for two, ensures that each portion is succulently tender, perfectly cooked and of course fits into the air fryer! Organic chickens are typically raised without antibiotics and fed a natural diet, which contributes to the richer taste and texture of the meat. This choice not only enhances the culinary experience but also supports sustainable farming practices.

Room Temperature Butter: This ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfectly moist and flavorsome chicken. Using butter at room temperature allows it to blend seamlessly with herbs and seasonings, creating a rich, creamy paste that can be easily massaged under the chicken’s skin.

Fresh Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): Thyme and rosemary are more than just herbs; they are the aromatic soul of this dish. Thyme, with its subtle, slightly minty flavor, pairs wonderfully with poultry, while rosemary, known for its woody fragrance, adds a touch of earthiness. 

Lemon Zest: The addition of lemon zest is like a burst of sunshine in this recipe. It brings a fresh, zesty undertone that beautifully cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the herbal notes. The citrusy tang of lemon zest brightens the overall flavor, adding a layer of complexity and a hint of freshness that makes each mouthful more enticing. 

This Air Fryer Chicken recipe is all about simplicity and flavor.

We start by prepping the chicken with a heavenly mixture of butter, herbs, and lemon zest, ensuring it’s well-rubbed both under the skin and inside the cavity. The air fryer then works its magic, cooking the chicken to perfection with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It’s a hassle-free process that yields incredibly delicious results – ideal for a special holiday dinner for two.

I am so excited about sharing this recipe with you because I’ve done it for myself and the mister a number of times now and every time it just gets better. I have perfected the amount of seasoning, timing in the air fryer and all that jazz. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special day, this dish is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your table. And don’t forget, the leftovers are the best part! Stay tuned for more recipes, including how to make the most out of your chicken leftovers by turning them into a nourishing broth!

Air Fried Chicken

Teri-Ann Carty
I love my air fryer. It took me far too long to commit to one but now that I have, I can't imagine not having one. This holiday dinner idea came to me as my new husband and I were wondering if we were going to travel to see family this Christmas. I got to thinking about all the times I couldn't make it home and would be so sad to miss the big holiday dinner. I myself never wanted to "go through all the trouble" to make a holiday feast for 2 people. Well, I am so pleased to say, it's really not that much trouble after all. I bought a smaller chicken instead of a turkey and it was just perfect for the 2 of us. We definelty had leftovers but THAT'S THE BEST PART.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Canadian
Servings 3

Equipment

  • air fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3 1/2 pound organic whole chicken
  • ½ cup room temperature butter
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme and rosemary finely chopped
  • generous pinch sea salt and cracked pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat air fryer to 390 for 3 minutes.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towel.
  • Mix together butter, herbs, lemon zest until creamy.
  • Gently separate the skin from the breast side using a spoon and your hands.
  • Use your hands to smear the buttery herb mixture underneath the skin. If there's any remaining, insert it into the cavity of the bird.
  • Preheat air fryer to 355 for 5 minutes.
  • Place Chicken into the basket of the air fryer breast side down first. Cook for 25 minutes. Carefully flip the bird and cook the breast side up for another 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

Save the bones and the carcass and make broth or stock! We made 6 litres of broth off our little chicken. I will be posting a chicken broth recipe very soon. Stay tuned for that!
Keyword air fried chicken, air fryer, christmas, easy chicken recipe, gluten free, holiday recipe, roasted chicken, thankgiving, whole chicken

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