Ready to master the art of making the perfect whole chicken in your Ninja Foodi? This game-changing recipe delivers a mouthwatering, tender bird in just one hour, with only 10 minutes of prep work.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this foolproof method ensures crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat inside. At just 83 calories per serving, it’s a protein-packed, wholesome meal that’ll become your new go-to dinner solution.
Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Chicken
- Whole Chicken: 3-5 lbs, patted dry for best results
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, helps achieve crispy skin
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, adds brightness and tenderizes
- Herb Mix: ¼ tablespoon each of dried parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, and rosemary
- Seasoning Base: 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder
Step-by-Step Ninja Foodi Instructions
- Preparation: Coat chicken thoroughly with olive oil and lemon juice mixture
- Season: Mix all dried herbs and seasonings, apply evenly on both sides
- Initial Cooking: Place breast-side up in air fryer at 350°F for first 30 minutes
- Flip & Finish: Turn chicken over carefully, continue cooking for another 30 minutes
- Temperature Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
- Rest & Serve: Let stand for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon
Cooking Techniques
Air frying a whole chicken might seem new if you’re used to roasting, but it’s actually super simple! The trick is to flip your chicken halfway through cooking – this helps it brown evenly on all sides. When you’re rubbing the seasonings on, really pat them into the skin to help them stick. A quick tip: let your chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for the most even results.
Temperature Guide
Getting the right temperature is easy with this recipe! Your chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F/74°C internal temperature. The best spots to check are the thickest part of the breast and the inner thigh area. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for clear (not pink) juices running from the chicken when pierced, and make sure the meat isn’t pink at the bone.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep your cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The meat stays super tasty and is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or quick meals. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just wrap them well in foil or freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This juicy chicken pairs wonderfully with so many sides! Try it with roasted potatoes and vegetables (which you can make in your air fryer too!), a fresh green salad, or fluffy rice. The Mediterranean-style herbs in this recipe make it perfect for serving with tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon. Don’t forget to spoon those tasty juices from the bottom of the air fryer basket over your sliced chicken!
Ninja Foodi Whole Chicken
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 3-5 lbs.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 tbsp dried basil flakes
- 1/4 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Rub the chicken with olive oil and lemon juice, making sure that the entire chicken is covered.
- Combine all of the remaining ingredients to create a spice mix. Sprinkle half of the spice mix over the top of your chicken, then flip it over and sprinkle the rest on the bottom of the chicken. Press gently to make sure the seasonings stick well.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer, breast side up and air fry for 30 minutes at 350°F/177°C.
- Half way through cooking time, carefully flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked to 165°F/74°C.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon.
