Do you want to cook a whole chicken but don’t know what size air fryer to buy?
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different sizes of air fryers and what size is best for cooking a whole chicken.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer.
What Size Air Fryer Needs For A Whole Chicken?
To cook a whole chicken in an air fryer, you will typically need an air fryer with a basket capacity of at least 5 quarts (or 4.7 liters). For larger chickens, an air fryer with a 6 to 7 quarts (or 5.7 to 6.6 liters) capacity can be more suitable to ensure adequate cooking space.
Size chart of air fryer for a whole chicken:
| Chicken Size | Average Weight (lbs) | Average Dimensions (inches) | Air Fryer Size | Basket Capacity (quarts) | Basket Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 3 | 9 x 7 x 5 | Small | 2-3 | 8 x 8 x 4 |
| Medium | 4 | 10 x 8 x 6 | Medium | 3-5 | 9 x 9 x 5 |
| Large | 5 | 11 x 9 x 7 | Large | 5-6 | 10 x 10 x 6 |
| Extra-Large | 6 | 12 x 10 x 8 | Extra-Large | 6-10 | 11 x 11 x 7 |
Right Size Air Fryer Guide To Cook A Whole Chicken
Although, the above table shows the sizes and capacities of an air fryer to cook based on the number of servings.
But you should know which size is an out and out to cook a whole chicken.
Small Capacity Air Fryer
If you have a family of 2 to 3 members or more, you may need 1- 2½ pounds of chicken if you are not that much foodie.
To cook this quantity of chicken, you need 2-3 quarts air fryer as I mentioned above.
It’s an ideal size for a small happy family.
Medium Size Air Fryer
A medium-size air fryer is totally fit for a family of 4 to 6. This size can capture a whole chicken of 4-5 pounds. And that’s enough for this family lunch or dinner.
Large Size Air Fryer
A large-size air fryer is absolutely fit for 5-8 people when cooking a whole chicken of 5-7 pounds.
It’s the average size of cooking a whole chicken.
>> What size air fryer for 6 people?
Extra Large Air Fryer
If you have a family occasion or a festival then you can choose an extra-large air fryer. You can cook 7-9 pounds of chicken in it.
So choose which air fryer you need for a whole chicken based on your need.
Which Category of Air Fryer Is Suitable For Cooking A Whole Chicken?
An air fryer is a mini-powerful convection oven, not a fryer. And Its beautifully designed structure gives it two categories.
Both are the same, however, there are some differences. Let’s have a look at which one is best for cooking a whole chicken.
Basket Air Fryer
First, come with the basket air fryer. It is easy to use and works fast, that is why it is very popular. It has a pullout basket where you can put your food to cook.
It is appropriate to cook French fries or any other small quantity food but you can not make a whole chicken in a basket air fryer.
>> What size air fryer for one person?
Convection Oven Air Fryer
An air fryer can cook any food faster. Although a basket air fryer can cook faster than a convection oven air fryer.
And when it comes to cooking a whole chicken then a convection oven air fryer is the perfect one. It also has a pullout tray which can adjust to allow more or less food.
So, it is worth saying that both categories of an air fryer are best from different perspectives but for a whole chicken, a convection oven air dryer is more suitable.
How to Measure Chicken and Air Fryer Size Accurately?
Tools You’ll Need
- Kitchen scale: Helps to know the chicken’s weight.
- Measuring tape or ruler: Helps to measure lengths.
- String: Good for measuring curved or irregular shapes.
- Notepad: To jot down your measurements.
Measuring the Chicken
Place the chicken on it. See the weight. Write it in pounds or kilograms. Put the chicken on a flat surface. Maybe a cutting board. Use the measuring tape.
Measure length, width, and height in inches or centimeters. Use a string. Wrap it around the chicken. Measure the string length later.
Note them down. Check a table chart to know the right air fryer size.
>> What range of sizes do air fryers come in?
Measuring the Air Fryer Basket
Start by removing the basket. It should come out easy from the air fryer. Place it on a table or any flat area. With your tape or ruler, get the length, width, and height.
Remember to use inches or centimeters. Use the string trick. Wrap it. Measure later. Note the basket dimensions. Refer to a table chart.
It helps find the chicken size that fits best.
Factors Influencing the Choice of Air Fryer Size for Cooking Whole Chicken
Besides the size of the chicken and the air fryer basket, there are other factors that may influence your choice of air fryer size for cooking whole chicken.
Quantity of Food
If you only want to cook a whole chicken, then you can choose an air fryer that matches the size of your chicken.
But if you want to cook other foods along with your chicken, such as potatoes, carrots, or corn, then you may need a bigger air fryer that can fit both your chicken and your side dishes.
You can cook your chicken and your side dishes separately in batches, but this may take more time and energy.
Kitchen Space Availability
If you have a small kitchen with limited counter space or storage space, then you may want to choose a small or medium air fryer that can fit in your kitchen easily.
But if you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space or storage space, then you may want to choose a large or extra-large air fryer that can accommodate more food and offer more features.
Energy Consumption
Larger air fryers consume more electricity than smaller ones because they have more heating elements and fans that generate more hot air.
An average air fryer uses about 1,400 watts of power per hour.
This means that if you use your air fryer for one hour every day for a month, it will cost you about $4.20 in electricity bills (assuming an average electricity rate of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour).
This may vary depending on your usage patterns and electricity rates.
Price and Budget
Larger air fryers are more expensive than smaller ones because they have more capacity and features that add to their value.
An average small air fryer costs about $50, an average medium air fryer costs about $100, an average large air fryer costs about $150, and an average extra-large air fryer costs about $200.
This may vary based on the brand, model, quality, and availability of the air fryers.
Frequency of Use
If you only use your air fryer occasionally for special occasions or treats, then you may not need a large or extra-large air fryer that takes up more space and consumes more energy.
But if you use your air fryer regularly for everyday meals or snacks, then you may benefit from a large or extra-large air fryer that can cook more food at once and offer more options.
Preferred Cooking Styles and Recipes
If you like simple and easy recipes that only require basic ingredients and seasonings, then you may not need a large or extra-large air fryer that has many functions and accessories.
But if you like complex and creative recipes that require various ingredients and techniques, then you may enjoy a large or extra-large air fryer that has many functions and accessories.
Brand and Model Preferences
Different brands and models of air fryers may have different features, designs, and qualities that appeal to different users.
For example, some users may prefer an air fryer that has a digital touch screen, while others may prefer an air fryer that has a knob control.
Some users may prefer an air fryer that has a stainless steel exterior, while others may prefer an air fryer that has a plastic exterior.
Some users may prefer an air fryer that has a warranty, while others may not care about it.
You can read online reviews, watch videos, or visit stores to compare different brands and models of air fryers and find the one that suits your preferences.
Extra Features and Functions
Some air fryers have more features and functions than others, which may enhance your cooking experience and results.
For example, some air fryers have WiFi connectivity, voice control, fat removal technology, rotisserie accessory, or dehydrator function.
These features and functions may make your air fryer more smart, convenient, healthy, or versatile.
They may also make your air fryer more expensive, complicated, or bulky.
You can decide whether you need these extra features and functions or not based on your needs and goals.
>> What size air fryer for 5 people?
Tips for Efficiently Cooking a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer
Preparing the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water. Then, pat it dry with paper towels. It’s now time to season the chicken.
Choose salt, pepper, herbs, or spices. You can use a marinade too! Feel free to stuff the chicken cavity. Lemon, garlic, or onion are great choices for extra flavor.
Tie the chicken legs together. Use kitchen twine for this. Tuck the wings under the body. This step prevents burning.
Give the chicken skin a spray or brush of oil. This will help it get crispy in the air fryer.
Utilizing Accessories
Using the right accessories makes cooking easier. A meat thermometer checks the internal temperature. This ensures safe eating.
The safe temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). A trivet elevates food. This prevents the chicken from sitting in its juices. It avoids fogginess.
A baking pan holds the food. It catches drippings, great for making gravy later! A skewer secures the chicken if you have a rotisserie accessory. It allows even cooking.
Managing Time and Temperature
Setting the right time and temperature is crucial. They vary depending on your chicken and air fryer type. Always refer to your manual or recipe book for specifics.
A good rule is 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes per pound. For more crispy skin, increase to 400°F (204°C) for the last 10 minutes.
For tender meat, decrease to 300°F (149°C) for the first 10 minutes. Always preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes. And, flip or rotate your chicken halfway through.
Ensuring Even Cooking
For even cooking, hot air must circulate freely. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Don’t cover the chicken with foil or paper. It blocks the hot air.
Be careful with oil or liquid. It can cause splattering and make the air fryer messy. Avoid opening the basket too often. It lets the hot air escape and affects cooking.
Checking Doneness
Use a meat thermometer and a knife to check doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bone or fat.
The temperature should read 165°F (74°C) or more. Use a knife to check the meat’s color and texture. It should be white and firm with clear juices.
If not, cook a few more minutes and check again.
Best Air Fryer To Cook A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer
1. PowerXL 5 Quarter Air Fryer Vortex – Multi Cooker with Roast
- Air Fryer and multi cooker from PowerXL with Vortex Rapid Air Technology gives you even more air fry crisping power. Your meals cook to maximum crispiness inside a turbo-charged whirlwind of superheated hot air, eliminating the unhealthy oil of a deep fryer. Air Fry your favorite fried meals like onion rings or French fries with a golden-brown crisp and crunch on all sides – not just on the top and bottom. You can also bake, roast, and broil using less or no oil. Easy to use and easy to clean.
- #1 Best Selling Air Fryer Brand*: PowerXL high performance airfryers are designed to simplify everyday life. When life keeps you busy, PowerXL’s home and small countertop appliances are your functional experts – those go-to products that help you excel. *Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service
- 10 cooking pre-sets are one-touch easy for extra crispy air frying and even more types of cooking: air fry roast, air bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat & more. Dehydrated snacks like fruit leather and jerky are fast and easy bake your favorite desserts, and even roast chicken, meats, vegetables, and more. Use the air fryer recipes cook book or program your own time and temperature.
- Timer with Auto Shut-Off with Digital Display Panel. Choose effortlessly from 10 digital pre-sets for precise heating on almost any meal or program the time and temperature you want. No matter what you’re cooking, PowerXL Vortex Airfryers makes it easy. Discover the new solution for busy families who don’t have a lot of time to cook.
2. CHEFMAN Large Air Fryer Max XL 8 Qt With 4 Cooking Functions
- EASY COOKING: Cooking meals for the family has never been this easy. Four presets make it simple to serve French fries, chicken, meat, and fish at the push of a button, and adjust both the time and temperature easily with the simple touch control. The digital display makes it easy to monitor cook times and ensures evenly fried foods with the LED shake reminder.
- EASY CLEANING: The 8-quart non-stick basket and flat frying tray are both top rack dishwasher safe, making clean-up easier than ever. Never worry about messy frying ever again, achieve perfect, crispy results with none of the mess from grease.
- CRISPIER & HEALTHIER: Serve all of the delicious fried foods your family loves right at home with none of the excess oil or grease. Healthy cooking starts with air frying, and with presets for easy cooking and a temperature range from 200-400°F, the Chefman Air Fryer is your number one tool for a crispy, fried finish using at least 98% less oil than traditional fryers. Air fry vegetables, pizza, frozen foods, and even leftovers to a perfect crisp in minutes.
- ELEVATE YOUR COUNTERTOP: With the sleek, square shape and nonstick stainless steel finish, this air fryer was designed with your kitchen counter in mind. The compact, easy to store build makes this the ideal fryer for families with big appetites and limited counter space. The dishwasher safe basket allows for easy cleaning and quick storing, saving space on your counter; perfect for any small kitchen, dorm, office, RV, and more!
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long lasting durability, & 1-year warranty provided by Chefman, so you can purchase worry-free – we’ve got your back! For information on how to use your product, scroll down for a PDF User Guide. 1700 Watts/120 Volts – RJ38-SQSS-8T
3. NuWave Brio 15.5-Quart Large Capacity Air Fryer Oven + Grill
- Best Selling Air Fryer with Accessories and Cookbook, Large Capacity NuWave BRIO Countertop Air Fryer- Oven and Grill, Includes Rotisserie Kit, 1 Rack, 1 Tray and a Temperature Probe, 15.5-Quart with rapid heating technology for quick and easy meals. Based in Chicago, IL offering a world of cooking benefits for over 25 years!
- Fully Certified: The air fryer is ETL Listed 900W, 1500W, or 120V/1800W and a temperature range of 100°–400°F. Please note that this voltage only applies to the US and Canada
- Free Rotisserie Kit: Rotisserie function allows for a 7 lbs chicken to be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.100 Pre-sets and functions to choose from for the perfect results in every meal. Pre-sets are included in the easy to read Quick-Start Guide!
- Wide Range of temperatures to keep warm or sear your meats, veggies, or desserts. Don’t worry about overcooking or undercooking with the temperature probe! Plug the Probe, Set the temperature and rest easy!
- Convenient Design: The air fryer produces crispy results in less time than a conventional oven with dishwashable parts. Preheat the air fryer before adding your ingredients for improved texture.
FAQs About Cooking A Whole Chicken In An Air Fryer
Is it healthy to cook a whole chicken in an air fryer?
Can I Clean My Air Fryer?
Is an air fryer very expensive?
Final Verdict
Making a crispy, juicy whole chicken roast for your family dinner nothing can be so wonderful than that. And with a perfect size air fryer, it will be easy and delicious.
So a good selection of a good size air fryer can make your kitchen complete.
