Name: Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds Trimmed Whole Chicken; Kosher Salt (Generously season for flavor.); 1 pint 1% Buttermilk (Provides moisture and tenderness.)

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There’s something magical about the aroma of a Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken wafting through the kitchen. I can still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a rainy Sunday, and I wanted something comforting yet simple. The idea of marinating the chicken in buttermilk intrigued me, promising to keep the meat juicy and tender. I gathered my ingredients, feeling the anticipation building as I imagined the savory, crispy chicken that would soon grace our dinner table. As the chicken marinated overnight, I couldn’t help but peek into the fridge every now and then, excited to see how the flavors would develop. When it was finally time to cook, the air fryer transformed the humble chicken into a golden-brown masterpiece, crisp on the outside and tender within. We gathered around the table, and each bite was a delightful reminder of that cozy day.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
55 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
50 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
426 kcal

Protein:
46 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
25.5 g

Tools Used:
Air Fryer

Why Try This Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

It’s Incredibly Juicy

One of the standout features of the Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken is its juiciness. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in ultra-tender meat. Every bite is a succulent experience that you won’t soon forget.

Perfectly Crispy Skin

Let’s not forget about the skin! The air fryer gives the chicken skin an impossibly crispy finish, making it a delight for those who love that satisfying crunch. You’ll find yourself savoring the crunch as much as the juicy meat.

Easy Preparation

This recipe is a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to impress your family or guests. You can season and marinate the chicken the night before, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Versatile Serving Options

Pair your Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken with a variety of sides—think roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It’s versatile, allowing you to mix and match sides based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Healthy Cooking Method

Cooking in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional frying. It uses significantly less oil while still achieving that desired crispy texture. You can enjoy your meal without the guilt of excess calories.

Family-Friendly Flavor

Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish. The mild flavor of the marinated chicken appeals to everyone, making it a great choice for family dinners. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a wholesome, home-cooked meal without fuss.

Ingredients Required for Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for the Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken, each component plays an essential role in creating a harmonious dish. The key players include the whole chicken, which is the star, and buttermilk, which provides incredible tenderness and flavor. Using quality Kosher salt ensures the chicken is seasoned well, enhancing its natural taste. Together, they create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

3-pound trimmed whole chicken: A whole chicken is perfect for roasting, providing succulent meat and crispy skin when cooked properly. Choosing a fresh or high-quality chicken will greatly affect the taste of your dish.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken, it helps to enhance the flavors during the marinating process. It also draws moisture out, allowing the chicken to absorb the buttermilk better.

1 pint 1% buttermilk: The key ingredient for marinating, it tenderizes the meat and adds a creamy texture that keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.

How to Cook Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into how to prepare the Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken. You’ll love how straightforward the process is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you in no time!

Start by preparing the chicken the day before you plan to cook it. Generously season the chicken all over with approximately 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt. This step is crucial, as it helps flavor the meat from the inside out. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This gives the salt time to penetrate the meat.

For an added touch, you can tie the legs of the chicken together with butcher’s twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes for a beautiful presentation when serving.
Next, place the seasoned chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight. This marination process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. This allows it to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.

Once ready, remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Shake off any excess buttermilk and discard it. You don’t want the chicken to be too wet, as this could affect the crispiness of the skin.
Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s placed belly side down. This position helps keep the breast meat juicy. Season the top of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt, spreading it evenly over the surface.
Set the air fryer to 350°F. Cook the chicken for about 25 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. You want that perfect golden color!

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Season the other side with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt. Continue cooking for another 25 minutes. This technique ensures both sides of the chicken get that crispy finish.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear, and you can easily insert a knife between the leg and thigh down to the bone. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and flavorful.

If you prefer to bake instead of air-frying, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken until golden, crisp, and thoroughly cooked, which will take approximately 1 hour or longer, depending on the size of the bird.

Things Worth Knowing

Marinating in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist.
Always bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

Check doneness using a meat thermometer for the best results.
Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for juicy slices.

Recipe Notes about Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

Having some handy notes can enhance your cooking experience. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that I’ve learned from making the Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken multiple times.

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick blast in the air fryer can help retain that crispy skin.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Pairing: This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to add spices to the buttermilk, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Cooking Time Variation: Always check the internal temperature, as cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken and the power of your air fryer.

What to Serve Alongside Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

When it comes to serving your Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken, the options are truly endless. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless side that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken. Add a little butter and cream for that extra richness.
Seasonal Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini with olive oil and herbs and roast them alongside the chicken for a colorful plate.
Light Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs complements the chicken wonderfully and can soak up any juices from the meat.
Homemade Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing element to your meal, making it feel lighter and more vibrant.
Garlic Bread: Serve with some garlic bread for a satisfying addition that everyone will love.

Occasional Treat: This dish can be a centerpiece for special occasions like family dinners or holiday gatherings, bringing everyone together for a hearty meal.

FAQ

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate and helps break down the proteins, resulting in juicy meat. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Yes, while a whole chicken is traditional for this recipe, you can also use chicken parts like thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster. Ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

No problem! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake until the chicken is golden and the juices run clear, which may take about an hour or longer, depending on the size of the bird.

The best way to check if the chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

The Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines ease of preparation with stunning results. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, it’s sure to make a lasting impression at your dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a new favorite for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners!

Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Buttermilk Marinated Air Fryer Whole Chicken is juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. This easy weeknight dinner will make your home smell amazing and leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, try this dish tonight for a delightful culinary experience!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 50

Total Time 55

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 426 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

3 pounds Trimmed Whole Chicken
Kosher Salt Generously season for flavor.
1 pint 1% Buttermilk Provides moisture and tenderness.

Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken the day before you plan to cook it. Generously season the chicken all over with approximately 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt. This step is crucial, as it helps flavor the meat from the inside out. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

For an added touch, you can tie the legs of the chicken together with butcher’s twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes for a beautiful presentation when serving.
Next, place the seasoned chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.

Once ready, remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Shake off any excess buttermilk and discard it.
Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket, ensuring it's placed belly side down. Season the top of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt.
Set the air fryer to 350°F. Cook the chicken for about 25 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.

After the initial cooking time, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Season the other side with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher salt.
Continue cooking for another 25 minutes until the juices run clear.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

If you prefer to bake instead of air-frying, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the chicken until golden and cooked through.

Notes

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it tightly.

Pairing: This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to add spices to the buttermilk for enhanced flavor.
Cooking Time Variation: Always check the internal temperature, as cooking times may vary.