Buttermilk-Marinated Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe
A juicy and flavorful whole chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk, then air fried to golden perfection. This easy recipe results in tender meat with a crisp, browned skin, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 25 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 pound trimmed whole chicken
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon divided for seasoning)
Marinade
- 1 pint 1% buttermilk
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: The day before cooking, generously season the chicken with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. Optionally, tie the legs together with butcher’s twine for even cooking.
- Marinate Overnight: Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, rotating the chicken halfway through to marinate both sides thoroughly.
- Prepare for Cooking: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator one hour before cooking. Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, shaking off excess, and discard the marinade.
- Place in Air Fryer: Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, placing it belly side down. Season the top of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- First Air Fry: Air fry at 350°F for about 25 minutes until the top is browned.
- Flip and Season: Flip the chicken over, season the other side with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and cook for another 25 minutes or until the skin is golden, crisp, and the juices run clear when a knife is inserted between leg and thigh.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Oven Baking Alternative: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken until golden and crisp all over and the juices run clear when tested between the leg and thigh, approximately 1 hour or longer if needed.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight tenderizes the meat and imparts a subtle tangy flavor.
- Using kosher salt helps in even seasoning and better absorption during marination.
- Tying the legs ensures the chicken cooks evenly and maintains a compact shape.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is essential for juicy meat.
- The oven method is a great alternative if you don’t have an air fryer, but cooking times will be longer.