I believe that one of the best items to come on the market over the past few decades is the grocery store rotisserie chicken! They’re so juicy and tender on the inside with seasoned crispy skin outside! Well, now you can easily create them at home with about 5 minutes of prep using my recipe for Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken.
Rotisserie chickens are a classic favorite for many, but you don’t always have to make a run to the grocery to enjoy them. With an air fryer and my easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate that deliciousness at home. This recipe produces a chicken that turns out perfectly moist and tender, along with a golden, crispy skin.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Total Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 4
Primary Ingredient(s): Chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and spices
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredient Notes
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- 3 to 4 Pound Chicken — You’ll need a chicken on the small-ish side for this recipe simply because of the size of most air fryer baskets. About 3.5 pounds is ideal, but may be difficult to find. I typically find smaller chickens labeled as “organic,” so check that option first. If the chicken is frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and don’t forget to remove the giblets and neck before you start. Also, be sure to pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels to help achieve a crispy skin.
- Olive Oil — Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crisping of the skin.
- Lemon Juice — The acidity brightens up the flavors and complements the herbs.
- Herb and Spices — You’ll use a blend of salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried rosemary to create a delicious seasoning blend.
- Lemon Wedges and Fresh Herbs: Add a burst of freshness to the recipe.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
- Place the chicken on a washable surface such as a plate or plastic cutting board.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, pepper, dried oregano, and dried rosemary.
- Rub the spice and herb mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out.
- Insert lemon wedges and fresh herbs into the chicken’s cavity.
- (Optional but recommended) Tie the chicken’s legs together.
Pro Tip
Tying the legs together creates a traditional rotisserie look and promotes even cooking.
- Place the prepared chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken with the breast side up and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reads 160°F-165°F, the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Recipe Tips
- If the skin isn’t crispy enough for you, you can place the chicken under the broiler of your oven for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- To prevent overcooking, regularly check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh and make sure it’s not touching a bone.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. Add more or less of the spices and herbs as desired.
Recipe Variations to Try
Make this recipe your own by experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon-Herb: Add more lemon zest and fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro to the seasoning mix. The result is a zesty and aromatic chicken great for summer dinners.
- Honey-Mustard Glaze: Create a sweet and tangy glaze by combining honey and Dijon mustard. Brush it onto the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Cajun-Spiced: Give it a spicy kick with a blend of Cajun spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Garlic Butter: Mix minced garlic with melted butter and spread it all over the chicken before cooking.
- Teriyaki: For an Asian-inspired twist, use either homemade or purchased teriyaki sauce all over the outside and inside of the chicken.
- Mediterranean: Combine herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme with olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the chicken before air frying.
- Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Create a glaze with maple syrup and a splash of bourbon for a sweet and smoky flavor profile.
- Lime and Chili: Replace the lemon with lime juice and add some chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Pesto: Spread a layer of your favorite pesto sauce over the chicken before air frying.
- Jerk-Spiced: Mix up a homemade jerk seasoning with spices like allspice, thyme, scallions, and habanero peppers. Rub it all over the chicken for a bold and fiery result.
How to Serve
One of my favorite ways to serve a rotisserie chicken is to cut it into serving pieces and arrange them on a bed of mixed lettuces. Drizzle the whole dish with any cooking juices and your favorite vinaigrette salad dressing.
Of course, you can serve it as an entree with your choice of sides, such as potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to three months. Just remember to label and date the container.
Questions About Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
Yes, you can, but you’ll be limited by the size of your fryer basket. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Yes! Prepping the chicken and allowing it to marinate overnight will heighten the flavors.
Preheating is not necessary for this recipe.
You can, but be sure to reduce the amount. Remember that dried herbs substitute at 1/3 the amount of fresh.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Like
Crispy Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken
Air Fryer Meatball Subs
Air Fryer Taco Burgers
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Recipe
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Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound chicken giblets and neck removed, patted dry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 to 2 lemons cut into wedges
Instructions
- Place the chicken on a washable surface such as a plate or plastic cutting board.3 to 4 pound chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, pepper, dried oregano, and dried rosemary.3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 4 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Rub the spice and herb mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out.
- Insert lemon wedges and fresh herbs into the chicken’s cavity.3 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 to 2 lemons, 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- (Optional but recommended) Tie the chicken’s legs together.
- Place the prepared chicken in the air fryer basket breast side down.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F and cook for 30 minutes. Flip the chicken with the breast side up and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reads 160°F-165°F, the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Dry skin is the key to getting that golden, crispy rotisserie-style finish in the air fryer.
- Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Air fryer models vary, so a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure juicy, fully cooked chicken every time.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftover chicken is excellent for salads, sandwiches, casseroles, or soups.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
A delicious way to enjoy chicken.
Yes, it is! And inexpensive, too.