1. Prepare the Chicken:
1.1. Clean and Pat Dry:
- Rinse the chicken halves under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the skin gets crispy.
1.2. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken halves, making sure to get it under the skin if possible for more flavor.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
2.1. Set Temperature:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
3.1. Arrange in Basket:
- Place the chicken halves in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, skin-side up. Ensure there’s enough space around them for air circulation. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3.2. Cook:
- Air fry the chicken at 360°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer model.
3.3. Check for Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. If necessary, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until fully cooked.
3.4. Crisp Up:
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
4. Rest and Serve:
4.1. Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
4.2. Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. This air fryer half chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken:
- Pat Dry: Ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy skin.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If cooking more than one piece, make sure there’s space around each piece for air to circulate.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For best results, especially with larger cuts of meat, use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.
This air fryer half chicken is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The air fryer makes it easy to get that delicious crispy skin and juicy meat without needing to use the oven or stove. Enjoy!