Go Back
Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This whole chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tender, juicy meat and finished in the air fryer for crisp, golden skin. After an overnight marinade it air-fries in about 50 minutes, making it a great make-ahead option for a weeknight dinner with a meat thermometer recommended for doneness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 minute
Keyword: air fryer

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 3 pound whole chicken trimmed
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pint buttermilk 1%

Instructions

  1. The day before cooking, season the chicken generously with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and let it sit for 30 minutes. Optional: tightly tie the legs together with a piece of butcher’s twine.
  2. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl large enough to hold it and pour in the buttermilk. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, rotating the chicken halfway so both sides get marinated.
  3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 1 hour before you plan to cook it, then remove it from the buttermilk, shake off excess and discard the buttermilk.
  4. When ready to cook, transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket (at least 6 quart) belly side down and season the top of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. Air fry at 350F for about 25 minutes, until the top of the chicken is browned; flip the chicken over, season the other side with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook another 25 minutes, until golden, crisp and brown all over and the juices run clear when you insert a knife down to the bone between the leg and the thigh.
  6. Remove the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  7. To bake in the oven, bake at 400F until golden, crisp and brown all over and the juices run clear when you insert a knife down to the bone between the leg and the thigh, about 1 hour or longer if needed.

Notes

Notes
Nutritional values are based on the whole chicken divided by 4 with no skin. Values will differ depending on what part of the chicken you eat, and if you eat the skin or not. Points will also vary with and without the skin, and which part of the chicken is consumed.
Nutrition Values per serving with skin:
Calories: 426 · Protein: 46g · Carbohydrate: 1g · Dietary Fiber: 0g · Total Sugars: 1g · Total Fat: 25.5g · Saturated Fat: 7g · Cholesterol: 144mg · Sodium: 153mg
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the power of your air fryer. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature.