Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside! Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
Create Delicious Whole Roasted Chicken with a Steam Air Fryer / Perfect Home Bar Snack
Enjoy a fantastic whole roasted chicken made right at home using your air fryer. This recipe ensures a wonderfully crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chickens
- 2 large green onions (cut into large pieces)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 2 Tbsp soju
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 2 Tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 4 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly rinse the chickens under cold running water. Pat them completely dry inside and out with paper towels; this is crucial for removing any gamey odor and achieving a better texture. Place the dried chickens in a bowl and pour 2 cups of milk over them. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to tenderize and remove any unwanted smells.
Step 2
Rinse the chickens again under running water after they’ve soaked in milk. Pat them dry once more with paper towels. Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce for our roasted chicken! In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 tsp ginger powder, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 2 Tbsp soju, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 Tbsp dried basil, 2 Tbsp black pepper, and 4 Tbsp minced garlic. Whisk or stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3
Generously brush the prepared sauce all over the dried chickens. Make sure to coat the inside of the skin as well for maximum flavor penetration. Allow the chickens to sit for about 10-15 minutes for the marinade to soak in nicely.
Step 4
It’s time to start cooking in the air fryer! Place the marinated chickens in the air fryer basket. Begin by ‘pre-baking’ them at 170°C (338°F) for 15 minutes. This initial stage helps to set the skin and seal in the juices.
Step 5
After the initial bake, flip the chickens over. Reduce the temperature slightly to 165°C (329°F) and cook for another 10 minutes. During this time, brush the remaining sauce over the chicken skin one more time. This step enhances the color and adds another layer of flavor. Be watchful to prevent burning.
Step 6
For the third cooking phase, increase the temperature to 175°C (347°F) and cook for an additional 10 minutes. This stage is key to achieving a wonderfully crispy skin. Remember that cooking times and temperatures may need slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model and the size of the chickens.
Step 7
Finally, add the large pieces of green onion and some frozen fries (optional) to the air fryer basket alongside the chicken. Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 10 more minutes. The green onions and fries will roast in the chicken drippings, adding fantastic flavor. Once done, you’ll have a perfectly roasted whole chicken, crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside! Serve immediately while hot.
