My Forking Life

  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
search icon
Homepage link
  • Air Fryer
  • Pressure Cooker
  • Jamaican
  • Browse Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Entree
  • Side Dishes
  • About
×
Home » Recipe Index » Air Fryer

Published: Jun 8, 2019 · Modified: May 1, 2025 by Tanya · This post may contain affiliate links · 52 Comments

Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Peruvian Style)

Jump to Recipe -

This Peruvian Air Fryer Whole Chicken is covered in a delicious garlic and herb marinade and then roasted to perfection. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and amazing flavor.

air fried whole chicken in air fryer basket

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Full Recipe/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.


Growing up, my mom would make roasted chicken...a lot. About 3 times a week, I could expect roasted chicken on our dinner table. It always tasted amazing but a traditional roast chicken can get redundant.

I was introduced to Peruvian chicken when my friends brought me to a local restaurant that specializes in this kind of chicken. It was so amazing that I began to frequent the restaurant quite often. Then I figured, why not make this at home.

I’ve made many variations of this recipe over the years and fell in love with this method of making it in the Air Fryer. You can have rotisserie style Peruvian chicken without a rotisserie machine. It’s faster than the oven, it doesn’t heat up the house in the summer, and the skin is so crispy on the outside while the meat stays so juicy on the inside. On top of that, the flavor is like no other thanks to the marinade.  

How to make Peruvian Air Fryer Whole Chicken

First, prepare your marinade by adding extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, garlic cloves, kosher salt, paprika, black pepper, cumin, oregano, brown sugar and soy sauce to a food processor and process until smooth. I use my mini food processor for this part.

marinade ingredients in food processor
marinade ingredients blended in food processor

Then you will want to wash and dry your chicken and remove any inside giblets. For this recipe I used a whole chicken that I received in my shipment with Butcherbox. It’s a 5 lb bird that I can fit into my 5.3 qt Air Fryer.

Then, rub your marinade all over the chicken. Gently lift the skin and rub the marinade under the skin as well. Pour some marinade inside of the chicken.

Cover the chicken and allow it to marinate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours. The longer the better.

raw whole chicken in bowl in marinade

Once you’re ready to cook your chicken, place it in the air fryer basket breast side down. Discard any remaining marinade that is left behind.

raw whole chicken in air fryer basket

Close the Air Fryer basket and set Air Fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes is done, open Air Fryer basket. Your chicken should look like the photo below. Do not fret, it’s not burnt nor is it done.

whole chicken in air fryer basket

At this point, flip the chicken and cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 more minutes.

Once timer is done, open Air Fryer basket and use a quick read thermometer to test to the chicken. Knowing where to check the chicken  is very important. You can watch this video on how to check the temperature of a whole chicken.

I use my Thermoworks mK4 Thermapen to test my chicken as it’s the most accurate and quickest thermometer on the market.

air fryer whole chicken with thermometer in chicken

When chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove chicken from the Air Fryer basket and allow it to rest on a carving board. I let my chicken rest for about 15 minutes. Cutting it any sooner will make all the juices run out. 

air fryer whole chicken on cutting board

Cut your chicken up and prepare to be amazed.

What to serve Peruvian Air Fryer Whole Chicken with?

I like to serve this chicken with my homemade Peruvian Green Sauce. I fell in love with this bold sauce at the Peruvian restuarant as well. It's an amazing addition to this chicken.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

air fryer whole chicken cut with lime and cilantro surrounding it

Pro Tip:

Use leftover chicken to make rotisserie chicken salad. 

Serving side suggestions:

Pressure Cooker Pinto Beans

Instant Pot Rice and Beans

Looking for other Air Fryer Chicken Recipes? Try these out:

  • Air Fried Chicken
  • Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast 
  • Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
  • Cornish Hens
  • Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken
Print Pin Share by Text SaveSaved!
5 from 17 votes

Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Peruvian Style)

This Peruvian Air Fryer Whole Chicken is covered in a delicious marinade and then Air Fried. It has crispy flavorful skin and juicy meat. It’s the perfect Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Peruvian
Keyword air fryer whole chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes minutes
Marinate Time 1 day day
Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 592kcal
Author Tanya
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 4-5 lb chicken giblets removed

Marinade

  • 3 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoon lime juice
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • ½ Tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  • Blend marinade ingredients in food processor until smooth. Set aside.
  • Wash and dry chicken. Rub all over chicken, including under the skin and on the inside. Allow chicken to marinate for 6-24 hours, the longer the better.
  • Place in Air Fryer, breast side down. Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Open Air Fryer basket and flip chicken. Then cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 more minutes.
  • Your chicken is done when a quick read thermometer in thickest part of chicken registers at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Suggested Tools

Large Air Fryer
Large Air Fryer
Quick Read Thermometer

Notes

  • You will need a larger size Air Fryer to make this whole chicken.
  • You could also use this marinade on chicken pieces if you cannot fit a whole chicken in your Air Fryer. Just make sure the pieces are in a single layer so they can get crisp.
  • You can sub your favorite seasoning for this whole chicken. Cook times will remain the same.
  • This chicken goed great with this Peruvian Green Sauce recipe. 

Nutrition

Calories: 592kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1532mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 890IU | Vitamin C: 7.2mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3.7mg
My Southern Air Fryer ECookbookFind all my Top Southern Air Fryer recipes in one place! My Southern Air Fryer ECookbook!
Subscribe to my YouTubeSubscribe to my YouTube Channel for full length recipe videos. Click the bell icon to be notified when I upload a new video.
Tried this recipe? Share on InstagramMention @Myforkinglife or tag #myforkinglife!
Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.

More Air Fryer Recipes

  • air fryer fish on white plate with tatar sauce and lemons
    Crispy Air Fryer Fish Recipe
  • roasted chicken on cutting board
    Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken
  • cooked meatloaf in air fryer basket
    Air Fryer Meatloaf (Juicy and Tasty)
  • candied pecans in a bowl with cinnamon stick and pinecone around it
    Air Fryer Cinnamon Sugared Pecans

Spread the Flavor and Share

Comments

    5 from 17 votes (6 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Adam says

    August 25, 2024 at 4:01 pm

    This is the best Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa recipe ever. I've made this recipe a dozen times, and I know it's authentic because my Peruvian wife and mother-in-law love it!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      August 26, 2024 at 9:52 am

      Thanks so much, Adam!

      Reply
  2. Tracy Ashworth says

    August 04, 2024 at 8:31 am

    The BEST chicken I’ve ever made at home and I’ve made many! So happy to have this recipe now that our favorite Peruvian restaurant closed down. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      August 04, 2024 at 9:25 am

      Thanks Tracy! This is one of my favorite chicken recipes as well.

      Reply
  3. Kristen says

    June 11, 2024 at 1:43 pm

    We loved this! I had a 6 lb chicken so I followed your video "How to Spatchcock a Chicken" so it would fit (height-wise) into my air fryer. I marinaded it for 10 hours and had to cook it about 20 minutes longer due to the larger size chicken. The flavors came through immensely in the finished roasted chicken. I paired it with a kale salad (leaves massaged with olive oil for 5 minutes) some lemon juice, OVO, salt, pepper and shredded pecorino romano cheese. The combination of the Peruvian Style Chicken and Kale Salad together was delicious.

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      June 12, 2024 at 8:09 am

      Thanks so much for the feedback, Kristen! So happy you liked the recipe. A kale salad with this sounds like the perfect meal.

      Reply
  4. Peter Hilary says

    June 12, 2022 at 9:56 pm

    Absolutely delicious recipe! Best roast chicken ever. I’m now hooked on your air fryer methods. Great new way to cook!! You never talk about pre-heating the air fryer. Is this intentional?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      June 12, 2022 at 10:08 pm

      Thanks so much Peter! I usually preheat but sometimes I don't. I only found pre-heating important when making battered foods or things I want to hear sizzle lol. But since the air fryer gets to temp so quickly, I skip it for items that need a longer cook time.

      Reply
  5. Monica says

    May 26, 2022 at 1:07 pm

    Hi! We all LOVE this recipe!!❤️❤️ Quick question.. do you put the chicken in air fryer directly from fridge or does it need to sit out for a bit? I always have to go a bit longer to cook the middle of the chicken and was wondering if it’s because the chicken is cold. Thx!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 29, 2022 at 8:21 am

      Hi Monica, I usually go straight to the air fryer with no problems. Your air fryer may just take a bit longer to cook than mine. However, letting the chicken sit out won't hurt either.

      Reply
  6. Maurice says

    February 16, 2022 at 10:43 pm

    Best way to cook a whole chicken worh the marinade without a rotisserie oven. Thanks for the recipe it’s pretty accurate and easy once you have the Marinade down.

    Reply
  7. Patricia says

    February 05, 2022 at 12:19 am

    Amazingly delicious. We couldn’t stop eating. I highly recommend and it will become your favorite chicken! I am a fan!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      February 06, 2022 at 1:26 pm

      Thanks so much Patricia!

      Reply
  8. Beverley says

    January 24, 2022 at 8:55 am

    I have an air fry option on my new LG oven. Can I use it the same way as an air fryer?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      January 25, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Hi Beverley, yes, you can. You may have to modify the times a bit.

      Reply
  9. T says

    July 26, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    How long would you cook 2 cornish hens in the air fryer?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      July 27, 2021 at 8:51 am

      I haven't made cornish hens in the air fryer but this recipe looks great. https://www.staysnatched.com/air-fryer-cornish-hens/

      Reply
  10. Eileen says

    May 25, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    Could I use this marinade in skinless chicken breasts or would you only use it on chicken with skin? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 25, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Hi Eileen. Yes, it will work with skinless chicken breast.

      Reply
  11. KaShanta says

    May 14, 2021 at 11:43 am

    I have 2 air fryers never used once! I love Peruvian chicken I make this all the time. Guess now I'll go pull a air Fryer out of storage lol. Thanks for this!!!

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      May 19, 2021 at 9:26 am

      lol, this is a great recipe to start with too. You'll be hooked.

      Reply
  12. vivienne says

    December 29, 2020 at 11:59 am

    Can this be prepared an then put in the freezer?

    Reply
    • Tanya says

      December 30, 2020 at 9:59 am

      You mean cooked and then frozen? I don't see why not. You could also place the marinated chicken in the freezer until ready to cook, but I would advise doing that with smaller pieces, so they defrost easier.

      Reply
  13. Chris says

    November 14, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    Great recipe. I marinaded for 24 hours. Time and temperature were perfect for my 5 pound whole chicken. I thought it may have overcooked when I saw the skin shrinkage but it was perfect. The white meat was still very tender and juicy.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Welcome!

Welcome to My Forking Life! Hi, I'm Tanya, attorney, busy wife and mom, and lover of quick, easy, and delicious meals.

More about me

Popular Recipes

  • Jamaican Oxtails Recipe
  • air fried chicken in air fryer basket
    Air Fryer Fried Chicken
  • brown stew chicken in pan
    Brown Stew Chicken
  • Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella

Holiday Favorites

  • sweet potato pie on a plate
    Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
  • spoon lifting gravy out of gravy dish
    Easy Recipe for Gravy without Drippings
  • creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the best baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese
    Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  • Stirring the giblet gravy with a spoon.
    Grandma's Giblet Gravy Recipe
as seen on...various online websites text listed

Footer

↑ back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Tanya

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 My Forking Life

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.