Unpopular opinion: Air frying a whole chicken is a waste of time compared to just doing the pieces.

Last month I tried a recipe for a 4 lb whole bird in my air fryer, which took almost 90 minutes. My friend in Austin swears by breaking it down first, saying the thighs and wings get crispier in half the time. Who's right on this one?

3 comments

3 Comments

josephl6710d ago

Why are we only talking about time and crispiness? The real question is how much space you have in that basket for a whole bird to cook evenly.

caleb_stone10d agoTop Commenter

You're right, @josephl67. Space in the basket is huge. Used to just cram the chicken in there. Always had a soggy spot underneath. Started leaving more room around it, like an inch or so. Lets the hot air move all the way around. Game changer for even cooking. Makes a bigger difference than adjusting the time.

ellis.hayden9d ago

I have to disagree about space being the main issue. The real benefit of a whole bird is the flavor. The bones and skin keep the breast meat much juicier than cooking pieces separately. My 90 minute cook gives me perfect dark meat and still moist white meat, which I never get with parts.