Name: Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (1.4–1.6kg); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 1 lemon, halved; Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken is a modern take on the classic roast, delivering crispy skin and juicy meat in a fraction of the time. Cooking chicken in the air fryer locks in moisture while creating a beautifully golden exterior, making it ideal for quick Sunday lunches or stress-free midweek dinners. It’s simple, reliable, and packed with flavour using just a handful of everyday ingredients.
This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken serves 4 and is ready in about 50–55 minutes from start to finish, with minimal prep and easy cleanup.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken Worth Making

Crispy skin without deep frying, thanks to hot circulating air
Juicy, tender meat with consistent cooking throughout
Faster than oven roasting, saving time and energy
Simple seasoning, letting the chicken shine
Perfect for smaller kitchens or warm-weather cooking

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Chicken?

Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Chicken is a whole chicken seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and garlic, then cooked in an air fryer until crisp on the outside and succulent inside. The method mimics traditional roasting but with quicker results and less mess.

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken Ingredients List

1 whole chicken (1.4–1.6kg)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 lemon, halved
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken – Simple Steps

Step 1: Bring the Chicken to Room Temperature

Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Well

Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper. Rub olive oil all over, then season generously with salt and pepper. Push garlic, lemon halves, and herbs into the cavity for flavour from the inside out.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 180°C for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures crisp skin from the start.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes, then carefully turn breast-side up and cook for another 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 75°C at the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove the chicken and rest loosely covered for 10 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy and easy to carve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Skipping drying the skin, which prevents crisping
Overcrowding the air fryer basket
Forgetting to turn the chicken halfway
Cooking straight from the fridge
Cutting into the chicken without resting

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Roast potatoes cooked separately in the air fryer
Steamed green beans with butter
Simple garden salad for freshness
Yorkshire pudding for a classic touch
Homemade gravy using chicken juices

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Chicken Just Right

Choose a smaller chicken for even air fryer cooking
Season under the skin for deeper flavour
Turn carefully using tongs to keep skin intact
Use a thermometer to avoid guesswork
Rest uncovered briefly, then cover loosely

How to Add More Flavour to Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Rub with mustard before seasoning
Add smoked paprika for warmth
Use butter instead of oil for richness
Finish with lemon juice for brightness
Sprinkle fresh herbs after cooking

How to Adjust Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Chicken for Kids

Use mild seasoning, skip strong herbs, and serve with mashed potatoes or plain rice for a familiar, gentle meal.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Air Fryer Roast Chicken Gluten-Free?

Yes, the chicken and seasoning are naturally gluten-free. Just check any added sauces or gravy.

Best Way to Store Air Fryer Roast Chicken Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep meat on the bone where possible to retain moisture.

Best Ways to Reheat Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Air fryer: 160°C for 5–7 minutes
Oven: Covered at low heat
Serve cold: Ideal for salads and sandwiches

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~410
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 1g

Best Chicken Size for Air Fryer Roasting

Chickens between 1.4–1.6kg cook most evenly and fit comfortably in standard air fryer baskets.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in the air fryer?

A whole chicken usually takes 45–55 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C, depending on its size. Turning the chicken halfway through helps it cook evenly and crisp on all sides.

Do you need to turn the air fryer roast chicken while cooking?

Yes, turning the chicken halfway is recommended. Starting breast-side down and finishing breast-side up helps keep the meat juicy while allowing the skin to crisp evenly.

How do I get crispy skin on air fryer roast chicken?

Pat the chicken completely dry, use a light coating of oil, and preheat the air fryer. These steps remove excess moisture and allow the skin to turn golden and crisp.

Can I cook a frozen whole chicken in the air fryer?

It’s not recommended to cook a whole chicken from frozen in the air fryer. For best results and food safety, fully defrost the chicken before cooking.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Roast Chicken delivers everything you want from a roast—crispy skin, juicy meat, and deep flavour—without the long oven time. Simple, efficient, and satisfying, it’s a recipe that quickly earns a regular spot in your cooking routine.