- TEMP
- 170-180°C
- TIME
- 40-60 MIN
- CORE
- 75°C
75°C for 30 seconds is one of the FSA’s safe core combinations (standard: 70°C for 2 minutes).
Manufacturer charts for a whole chicken range from 170 to 180°C for 40 to 60 minutes, both using a Roast function rather than the standard Air Fry setting. Ninja gives a single weight and time; Instant gives a wider time window with no weight stated. The Fryer Guide lists both brands' exact figures below.
Based on 3 manufacturer sources. Figures last checked 27 September 2026. See the full list of manuals and articles used on this site on the about and methodology page.
What each brand's guide says
| Brand | Temp | Time | Shake | Amount | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | 170°C | 50 min | not stated | 1.38kg | AF400UK (Foodi MAX Dual Zone) | Ninja Quick start guide, p.11 |
| Instant | 180°C | 40-60 min | not stated | not given | Instant Vortex range (UK, brand-level chart) | Instant Brand chart |
Reference figure (separate chart, not blended in above)
| Brand | Temp | Time | Shake | Amount | Model | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori | ~179°C* | 55-60 min | No | 4.5 lbs (about 2kg) | Iconic (different model - reference only) | Cosori Brand chart |
*Converted from a Fahrenheit-only figure given by the source.
What each source actually says
- Cosori (Iconic (different model - reference only)): Chart row: Whole Chicken (4.5 lbs) 355°F 55-60 min, no flipping required source
Cosori's Iconic web chart gives a whole chicken figure at 355°F (about 179°C) for a 4.5lb (roughly 2kg) bird, with no flipping required, but Cosori states the Iconic chart applies to that model only, not the Pro LE, Dual Blaze or L501 models used elsewhere on this site, so it's shown here for reference rather than blended into the range above.
Cite this page: The Fryer Guide. “How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in an Air Fryer (UK Times by Brand).” https://thefryerguide.com/cooking-times/whole-chicken/. Last checked 27 September 2026. See every source row for whole chicken in the full dataset.
Fresh vs frozen
Neither sourced chart on this page gives a frozen whole chicken figure. Defrost fully before cooking, or check your own air fryer's manual for a frozen setting.
Size and thickness adjustments
Ninja's quick start guide gives 50 minutes at 170°C for a 1.38kg chicken with its legs trussed, brushed with oil, on its Roast chart. Instant's chart gives a wider 40 to 60 minute window at 180°C, also on its Roast function, with no weight stated.
Browning and doneness
Poultry can have bacteria all the way through the meat, so a whole chicken needs to be cooked all the way through rather than served pink, and checked in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. This site shows 75°C on the readout panel, the FSA's 75°C for 30 seconds figure, one of the combinations equivalent to its main 70°C for 2 minutes standard.
Ninja gives one specific weight and time (1.38kg, 50 minutes at 170°C); Instant gives a wider 40 to 60 minute window at a higher 180°C with no weight stated. Neither source explains why their temperatures differ, so use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh rather than relying on time alone.
From the oven instead?
If you have an oven time and temperature and want the air fryer equivalent, use the oven to air fryer converter.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a whole chicken be cooked at in an air fryer?
Sourced figures range from 170°C (Ninja) to 180°C (Instant), for 40 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the bird, both using a Roast function rather than standard Air Fry.
How big a chicken fits a typical air fryer?
Ninja's own figure is for a 1.38kg bird. Check your air fryer's basket size against the chicken's weight before buying; a large chicken may not fit.
Does a whole chicken need turning in an air fryer?
Neither sourced chart states a turn instruction; Ninja's guide says to truss the legs and brush with oil before cooking.
How do I know a whole chicken is cooked through?
Check the thickest part of the thigh with a food thermometer without touching bone. This site's readout panel shows 75°C, one of the FSA's safe core temperature combinations.
