Learn how to make the best homemade Whole Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer.
Our Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken recipe features a fresh bird slathered in a homemade butter spice rub.
When you air fry a whole chicken rotisserie style it produces moist and juicy meat since it bastes in its own juices. You’ll also enjoy finger-licking-good crispy seasoned skin.
Our simple Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer recipe takes around 1 hour to cook so it’s quick and easy to get on the table on a busy weeknight.
We’ve tested this recipe with a Hamilton Beach Air Fryer, which features a built in rotisserie function.
After cooking a Whole Rotisserie Chicken in your air fryer we suggest serving it with your favourite Christmas and Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes, braised cabbage, herb stuffing and gravy.
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What Is Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a chicken dish that is cooked on a rotisserie by using direct heat in which the chicken is placed next to the heat source. The chicken slowly rotates on a spigot, basting in its juices to ensure delicious moist and juicy meat.
Rotisserie chickens are very popular in Canada and America. In 2018, over 900 million rotisserie chickens were sold by restaurants and grocery stores in the US.
In Canada the most popular rotisserie chicken restaurants are Swiss Chalet, Nando’s and St-Hubert. Leftover rotisserie chicken may be used in a variety of dishes such as soup, chicken salad, and sandwiches.
Typically fresh-cooked, seasoned, whole chickens are cooked on a rotisserie that rotates inside a hot convection oven to ensure all sides are crispy and evenly cooked.
Our family has made homemade rotisserie chicken in the past by using a rotisserie attachment in our barbecue. Once we purchased a trendy air fryer it really changed the game!
This simple recipe shows you step by step how easy it is to cook a Whole Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer.
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Best Rotisserie Air Fryer
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven designed to simulate deep frying without submerging the food in oil. A fan circulates hot air at high speed, producing a crisp layer via browning reactions.
In 2010, Philips introduced the Airfryer brand of convection oven at a consumer electronics fair in Berlin. It used the patented Rapid Air technology, though the term air fryer is now used generically.
Early air fryers were barrel-shaped, though more recently, many have come to resemble toaster ovens and pressure cookers, offering additional functions like toasting, baking, dehydrating and rotisserie.
A decade after their launch, Air Fryers are now one of the trendiest kitchen appliance. They are particularly popular with gourmands living in condos or apartments in big cities like Toronto as they reduce the number of appliances taking up space in your kitchen.
- Hamilton Beach: I tested this recipe with a Hamilton Beach toaster oven-style air fryer. They are an excellent option for those looking for an affordable air fryer and I particularly like mine as it allowed me to replace my toaster, dehydrator and rotisserie. Only a few air fryer brands on the market today offer a rotisserie function so we highly suggest purchasing this model if you like to slowly roast meat and poultry on a spigot from the comfort of your kitchen.
- Instant Vortex: This popular air fryer is brought to you by the inventors of the popular Instant Pot. It’s 6 quart capacity features an easy to clean tray that air frys, roasts and bakes.
- COSORI: This 5.8 quart air fryer is an 11-in-1 cooker featuring a nonstick basket and helpful shake reminder setting.
- Ninja: This premium brand is the perfect option for those looking to invest in a heavy duty stainless steel air fryer. The product has been designed to look similar to an Instant Pot, with the top of the air fryer flipping backwards so you can easily lower a basket filled with food.
- NuWave: This sleek digital air fryer features a traditional removable basket and reaches temperatures up to 390 F.
How To Cook Whole Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Our Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer recipe is so easy to make you’ll have it ready to serve in an hour!
The majority of air fryers on the market today do not include a rotisserie function. If you want to authentically air fry rotisserie chicken you’ll need to purchase an air fryer that comes with a rotisserie rod and internal rotating function.
Many of you may be simply looking to air fry a whole chicken “rotisserie style.” This often means that you are looking for the perfect spice blend to slather on a chicken so it tastes like the famous rotisserie chickens sold at Costco.
Air fryers with a removable basket are still the most common. In order to air fry a whole chicken “rotisserie style,” in these machines, simply lower the seasoned bird into the basket and cook for the allotted time.
NOTE: the chicken will not actually rotate while cooking and does not enjoy the benefits of basting. It will still taste great, featuring moist meat and flavourful crispy skin.
Modern air fryers featuring a glass door and tray configuration often include a rotisserie. These devices allow home cooks to prepare authentic rotisserie chicken in an air fryer.
Through the glass door you can watch the whole chicken slowly rotating on its spit, and hear the sizzle as the birds fat and juices drip onto the tray below.
You will want to read your air fryer manual to ensure you understand how the rotisserie setting works as they vary by brand and model.
Some brands allow you to select the Bake + Air Fry+ Rotisserie setting at the same time, which is ideal.
Other models only allow you to use the rotisserie function under the Bake mode. If your air fryer requires these settings we suggest:
- Step 1: Select the Bake + Rotisserie mode for the first 45 minutes of the cooking time. This ensure the fat and juices of the bird baste then drip off the whole chicken and cook evenly.
- Step 2: During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking time turn the rotisserie function off, then select Bake + Air Fry. The air fryer setting will ensure the chicken skin gets crispy in the final step of the roasting process.
How To Assemble & Truss Air Fry Rotisserie Chicken
The spit that comes with the fryer contains three different pieces. There are prongs for each end to hold the meat in place, plus the rod that the food rotates on.
We suggest that you first attach one of the prongs to the bar. Then thread the chicken onto the bar through its empty cavity. Make sure the chicken is securely attached to the prongs on the bar.
Next, attach the second prong attachement to the other side of the rod. Ensure the prongs are both securely skewered between the chicken.
After the whole chicken is secured to the road, cut a long piece of twine with kitchen scissors, approximately 3 feet long. Lay the chicken on your counter or cutting board with the breast facing up.
Place the midpoint of the string in front of the chicken’s neck underneath the rod. Hold an end of the twine in each hand. Bring the twine up and over the bird, securing the wings in place.
Now bring the ends of the string between the legs and under the top of the chicken’s cavity. Cross the string under the top of the chicken’s cavity. Cross the base of the drumsticks and loop the twine around the “ankles” to secure, pulling tightly and firmly. Make a secure knot with the string.
Cut off the excess twine with a pair of sharp scissors. Voila you have successfully trussed a whole chicken and it’s ready to cook on a rotisserie in your air fryer!
My Family Loves Whole Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
My family loves sitting down to a homemade rotisserie chicken dinner.
We’d often serve rotisserie chicken on special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.
Once our family purchased an air fryer with a built in rotisserie function we fell in love with the method as it’s quick and easy.
Cooking a whole rotisserie chicken in an air fryer is the perfect main dish to serve at an intimate dinner party with 3-4 guests as you can quarter the bird and serve with your favourite side dishes.
Now that we’ve upgraded our kitchen with the trendiest new gadget we love to air fry whole chicken rotisserie style!
Cooking this Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken recipe is a modern day marvel for home cooks who enjoy a traditional roast chicken feast. Air Fryers cook food much quicker and help ensure the white and dark meat is moist and delicious. You’ll love the crispy skin too!
Rotisserie Chicken Cooking Tips
- Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer at home ensures it will be perfectly moist. I think we’ve all purchased a store bought rotisserie chicken at some point that was sadly undercooked. Never again!
- Use a small whole chicken that has plenty of room to rotate in your air fryer. You don’t want the chicken to come in contact with the heating elements while on the rotisserie. Ideal size is a 4-5 pound chicken. Air Fryer Cornish Hens work as an excellent alternative.
- Use whatever style of whole chicken that fits your preferences and budget. Purchase from your butcher, grocery store, a local farm, in the organic aisle, or select a pre-seasoned bird to save time.
- Slather the whole chicken with butter and spice mixture using your hands. Leave no nook or cranny uncovered!
- Use our homemade dry rub recipe to flavour the skin or purchase your favourite store bought poultry seasoning in the spice section.
- Leave the cavity of the bird empty as you will need to pass the rotisserie rod through the interior. If you traditionally serve roast chicken with stuffing feel free to bake it in a casserole dish in your oven separately.
- Be sure to wrap the bottom crumb tray which catches the drippings in tin foil so clean up is a breeze after dinner.
- This Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken recipe is finished cooking and safe to eat once the internal temperature reads 165 F.
- Save the bones and use them for a homemade chicken broth recipe.
Is Rotisserie Chicken Healthy?
Rotisserie Chicken cooked in an air fryer is one of the healthiest ways to eat poultry. The high concentrations of fat in the chicken’s thighs and legs baste over the bird while rotating and drip off onto the tray below.
Our easy Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken recipe features simple, wholesome and affordable ingredients.
Chicken is high in protein and provides B vitamins such as niacin, which helps your body access the energy in foods.
It is only recently that scientists have begun to identify the components responsible for garlic’s myriad health benefits. Rich in phytochemicals and potassium, garlic helps boost your immune system, fight cancer and protect your heart.
Onions are a humble vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Regular consumption of onions can help boost digestive health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Paprika is rich in vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants. These substances may help prevent inflammation and improve your cholesterol, eye health and blood sugar levels.
Rich in energy-boosting manganese and anti-inflamatory phytochemicals, thyme may help keep your blood and immune system healthy.
Oregano is rich in antioxidants, may help fight bacteria, could have anti-cancer properties and can decrease inflammation.
What To Serve With Rotisserie Chicken
Whole Rotisserie Chicken cooked in an Air Fryer is the perfect dinner to serve on a Sunday roast night.
My family often serves turkey and chicken with classic Thanksgiving and Christmas side dishes like sweet potato fries, baked sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, braised cabbage, mashed potatoes, herb dressing and cranberry sauce.
Be sure to add some healthy colour to your plate by tossing a fresh salad for guest to enjoy. Favourites include Toasted Pecan Parmesan Pear and Rocket Salad, Cambozola Currant Pear and Fennel Salad, Romaine Salad With Tahini Caesar Dressing, Roasted Pumpkin Feta Salad, Roasted Beetroot Salad, Canadian Salad, Garlic Lemon Chickpea Avocado Salad, and Fennel, Apple, Celery and Roasted Hazelnut Salad.
After dinner why not dazzle your guests with one of our popular desserts such as Oat Flour Cookies with Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Lindt Lindor Cookies, Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes Recipe, Rhubarb Strawberry Dutch Baby or Jordgubbstårta Swedish Strawberry Cake.
You May Also Enjoy These Chicken Recipes…
- Creamy Coconut Burmese Chicken Curry
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- Yum Woon Sen Thai Glass Noodle Salad
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- Crispy Roast Chicken and Leek Risotto
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- Pineapple Plantain Jamaican Jerk Chicken Burger
- Involtini di Pollo with Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, & Cheese
- Chicken Manchow Soup
- Jamaican Chicken Soup with Dumplings
- Thai Green Curry Chicken
- Thai Cashew Chicken Recipe
Can You Reheat Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes it’s easy to reheat this air fryer rotisserie chicken recipe if you have leftovers.
The chicken skin will not reheat as if it’s just come out of the oven but if you place leftovers back in the air fryer they will crisp up a bit and taste much better than if reheated in your microwave.
The day after air frying a rotisserie chicken we like to grab the cold carcass out of the fridge and remove the leftover meat with our hands. You can add the chicken breast and thigh meat to soups, stews, casseroles, sandwiches, omelettes and more!
Can You Heat Up Rotisserie Chicken in an Air Fryer?
If you’ve purchased a store bought rotisserie chicken from a grocery store like Costco, you can use your air fryer to reheat it at home. Place the cooked chicken on the rotisserie spit and reheat at 350 F for 4-5 minutes.
You May Also Enjoy These Air Fryer Recipes…
- Healthy Vegan Roasted Garlic in Air Fryer
- Cheesy Bacon Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Easy Crispy Air Fried Cornish Hen
- Viral TikTok Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Smoky BBQ Bone In Air Fryer Pork Ribs
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Seasoned Air Fryer Bone In Pork Chops
- Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer
- Frozen Chicken Fingers Tenders & Strips In Air Fryer
- Frozen Onion Rings In Air Fryer
- Frozen Burgers In Air Fryer
- Frozen Eggo Waffles In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
- Cheesy Garlic Bread In Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Popcorn Recipe
How To Make Whole Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Whole Rotisserie Chicken in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- measuring spoons
- French knife
Ingredients
- 4 lb Whole Chicken giblets removed
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350 F.
- Combine all of the seasonings with melted butter to make a paste and using your hands slather it all over the chicken.
- AIR FRYER WITH ROTISSERIE: truss the chicken into a tight package using twine. Run the spit through the bird, starting at the cavity in the back, and sink the forks into the thighs. Slide the second spit fork on to the spit and push the fork into the bird’s breast meat just above the wings. Keep pushing until the bird is squeezed between both forks. Make sure the bird is centered on the spit, then tighten the second fork to lock the bird in place. Slide the spit into the air fryer and close the glass door. Press the rotisserie setting on your air fryer and cook for 50-60 minutes.
- AIR FRYER WITH BASKET: spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the basket breast side down and cook for 50 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Check to make sure the breast meat has an internal temperature of 165 F before carving and serving.
Nutrition
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