Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken

This Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken is an easy recipe that will show you how to butterfly a whole chicken in the air fryer on a flat surface. It cooks at an even and consistent temperature, resulting in tender and juicy meat!

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What is a Spatchcock Chicken?

Have you seen all of those photos of beautiful whole chickens on social media and in magazines? The breasts are perfectly cooked and the chicken’s legs look perfectly crafted. Spatchcock chicken allows the chicken to cook more evenly on a level surface. It’s also sometimes called splotched chicken.

It’s a cooking method that will butterfly the chicken and allow it to cook faster. With a regular roasted chicken, you typically run the risk of burning the wings and/or legs much faster than the breasts will cook. This method will help a lot with that!

To do this, you will have to remove the backbone from the chicken. This will open it up and allow it to lay flat. I like to use these cooking shears from Amazon. You can also use a knife, be careful!

You will save at least 20 minutes in comparison to roasting a chicken in the air fryer the typical way. This method is also so much better for tender meat! No overcooked chicken.

This same method will work for cornish hens!

What Type of Chicken to Use

You will want to grab a whole chicken, most will be young birds and range from 4-5 pounds. My 5.8 quart air fryer can fit a chicken up to 5 pounds. The one used in this recipe weighed 4 1/2 pounds and is an organic chicken from Butcher Box.

If you have an air fryer smaller than 5.8 quarts the chicken may not fit.

Giblets Inside Chicken Cavity

Most whole chickens will come with the giblets already removed from the inner cavity of the chicken. Sometimes the butcher or store will include a pouch of the giblets for you. You can use these to make gravy, bone broth, etc.

If your chicken does not come with the giblets removed, you will have to remove them prior to air frying. (Hopefully, you will have noticed them while removing the backbone).

The giblets are the gizzards, liver, heart, etc of the chicken. (They can be pretty yucky to look at). It’s important to remove them because if they have been left in a plastic bag inside the chicken while it cooks, it will melt inside the chicken. The plastic contains chemicals that can spread to the chicken.

What Type of Seasoning to Use

I recommend a couple of different ways to season the chicken. One of my favorites that only requires a handful on ingredients is Creole Seasoning, smoked paprika (great for amazing color), salt, and pepper.

You can also season it the classic way with thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

How to Cook Spatchcock Chicken in the Air Fryer

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Pat the chicken dry.
2. Place the chicken breast side down and locate the backbone of the chicken. It runs down the middle of the back and below the neck.
3. Glide your sharp cooking shears or knife along the side of the backbone and cut to remove it. Do this for both sides of the backbone to remove it completely.
4. Flip the chicken over and flatten the breasts of the chicken you should hear a crack. Turn the drumsticks so that they are positioned properly. I like to tuck the wings back below the breast. This helps keep them from browning quickly and is great for presentation.
5. Rub the chicken in olive oil and spices.
6. Air fry.

Air Fryer Temperature

I recommend 350 degrees.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

The chicken will need to cook from 35-45 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. This is important because you don’t want to guess if the chicken is done and sacrifice safety.

To test the internal temperature of the rotisserie chicken, place the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. This is typically the chicken thigh. You can read more about Thermometer Placement for Chicken here.

I often cook the chicken for longer than 165 degrees just to be sure every inch has cooked on the inside. You don’t want to slice into the chicken and see areas that aren’t cooked. You could simply place the chicken back in the air fryer, but this can be avoided.

Once the chicken has reached 165 degrees of temperature, monitor the skin and ensure it doesn’t burn or overcook and use your judgment on if the chicken needs additional time.

Do You Need to Flip the Chicken?

No, that’s the beauty of the spatchcock method. The chicken cooks on one side.

Allow the Chicken to Rest Before Slicing

You will need to let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes prior to slicing. While the chicken rests, moisture is redistributed. back into the meat. If you slice into it immediately, the juice will run out and you will end up with dry chicken. You can read more about the Science of Resting Meat here.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge tightly sealed for 3-4 days. I love to use leftovers to make my Chicken Salad Recipe.

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat the chicken is in the air fryer. That will help keep it from drying out. Dark meat (richer in flavor and retains moisture) tends to be better for leftovers. If you know you are planning to have leftovers, maybe eat the breasts and wings first.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the chicken, tightly sealed, for up to 4 months.

Pair With These Side Dish Recipes

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Lobster Tails

More Air Fryer Main Dish Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Roast Beef

Pair with my Dry Rub for Chicken, Southern Chicken Spaghetti or Air Fryer Frozen Burgers.