Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 1 lemon, halved

• Fresh herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme, for stuffing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Remove any giblets from the Air Fryer Chicken Cooking cavity of the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the skin well helps achieve a crispy texture.

2. Season the Chicken:

   • Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispiness.

   • In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

   • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Make sure to get an even coating for the best flavor and crispiness.

3. Stuff the Chicken (Optional):

   • For added flavor, you can stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves and fresh herbs.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps in achieving an even cook and crispy skin.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Place the seasoned chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 30 minutes.

   • After 30 minutes, carefully flip the chicken so that the breast side is up. Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.

6. Crisp the Skin (Optional):

   • If the skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

7. Rest the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more flavorful and juicy.

8. Serve:

   • Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes. The crispy skin and tender meat are sure to be a hit!

Tips:

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the chicken fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy skin.

• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.

Enjoy your perfectly crispy and delicious air fryer whole chicken!