Air Fryer Greek Whole Chicken: A Flavorful Mediterranean Dish

This Air Fryer Greek Whole Chicken recipe is packed with the zesty flavors of lemon, fresh garlic, and fragrant oregano, making it a delicious and impressive main dish. The air fryer ensures a crispy, golden-brown skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this Greek-inspired chicken delivers a meal that's simple to prepare but rich in Mediterranean flavor.

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With its perfectly seasoned marinade and the air fryer's quick cooking time, this dish offers an easy way to create a beautifully roasted chicken with minimal effort. The use of fresh herbs and lemon adds brightness to the meat, making every bite succulent and satisfying.

Why This Recipe WorksThe combination of olive oil, lemon, and oregano creates a classic Mediterranean marinade that deeply flavors the chicken while helping it retain moisture. Cooking the chicken in the air fryer speeds up the process, allowing you to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat without the need for a conventional oven. The marinade not only adds vibrant flavor but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Cooking Tips

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to let the flavors fully develop.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
• Crispy Skin Tip: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before rubbing on the marinade.

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Air Fryer Greek Whole Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 lbs whole chicken, small
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano if available)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and salt.
2. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it inside the cavity and under the skin for maximum flavor.
3. Place the squeezed lemon halves inside the chicken cavity and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
4. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (170°C) for 3 minutes.
6. Place the chicken in the air fryer breast-side up and cook for 35-40 minutes. After 15 minutes, cover the breast with foil to prevent burning, and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Leftovers: Use leftover chicken in salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a quick and flavorful meal the next day.

Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make Air Fryer Greek Whole Chicken as a delicious, satisfying main dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table!