How Long to Cook a 1.5 kg Chicken in Air Fryer: Easy Guide for Perfect Results

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer changes the game for home meals. You get crispy skin and tender meat much faster than in an oven. Many home cooks ask about how long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer because this size fits most baskets perfectly. A 1.5 kg chicken serves 4-6 people and cooks in about 50-60 minutes at 180°C (360°F). Always check the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) for safe, juicy results.

Air fryers circulate hot air to cook food evenly with little oil. This method gives rotisserie-style chicken at home. Popular brands like Ninja work great, but times stay similar across models. Follow simple steps, and you’ll enjoy a quick, tasty dinner.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Whole Chicken?

Air fryers save time and energy. A traditional oven takes 1.5-2 hours for a 1.5 kg bird, but an air fryer does it in under an hour. The hot air crisps the skin while keeping the meat moist.

Home cooks love this for weeknight dinners or small gatherings. It’s easy to clean, too—just one basket. Many recipes, like those from Simply Delicious, use a 1.5 kg chicken and get perfect results.

Start with a fresh or thawed chicken. Pat it dry for better crispiness. Season simply with salt, pepper, oil, and herbs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Long to Cook a 1.5 kg Chicken in Air Fryer

Follow these easy steps for success. This method works for most air fryers, including Ninja models.

1. Prep the chicken: Remove giblets if included. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
2. Preheat your air fryer: Set to 180°C (360°F) for 3-5 minutes if your model needs it.
3. Place the chicken: Put it breast-side down in the basket. This keeps the breast juicy.
4. First cook: Air fry at 180°C for 30 minutes.
5. Flip it: Use tongs to turn breast-side up. Be careful—it’s hot!
6. Second cook: Air fry for another 20-30 minutes. Check after 20 minutes.
7. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer in the thickest thigh part (not touching bone). It needs 75°C (165°F). Juices should run clear.
8. Crisp the skin (optional): Increase to 200°C for 5-10 minutes if needed.
9. Rest: Let it sit 10 minutes before carving. This locks in juices.

Total time for how long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer: Around 50-60 minutes, plus resting.

Recommended Temperature and Time Variations

The temperature stays around 180°C for even cooking. Here’s a quick guide:

• Standard: 180°C for 50-60 minutes total (30 min down + 20-30 min up).
• Ninja air fryer: Same times work well. Many users report 45-55 minutes for 1.5 kg.
• For extra crisp: End with 200°C for 5 minutes.

Adjust for your model. Dual-basket Ninjas let you add sides like potatoes.

Time Adjustments for Similar Sizes

• How long to cook a 1 kg chicken in air fryer: About 40-45 minutes.
• How long to cook 1.6kg chicken in air fryer: 55-65 minutes.
• How long to cook a 1.2 kg chicken in air fryer: 45-50 minutes.
• How long to cook a 1.7kg chicken in air fryer: Up to 65-70 minutes—check often.

Always use a thermometer. Air fryers vary in power.

Tips for Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Get that perfect crunch with these tips:

• Pat dry: Remove moisture before seasoning.
• Oil lightly: Helps browning without greasiness.
• Season under skin: Loosen skin and rub spices directly on meat.
• Don’t overcrowd: Ensure air flows around the chicken.
• Flip halfway: Prevents dry breast.
• Rest after cooking: Juices redistribute.

Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New users often make these errors:

• Not preheating—leads to uneven cooking.
• Overcrowding the basket—blocks air flow.
• Skipping the flip—dries out one side.
• No thermometer—risks under or overcooking.
• Cooking from frozen—thaw first for safety.

Start checking at 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Seasoning Ideas for Your Air Fryer Chicken

Keep it simple or try these:

• Basic: Salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic.
• Herb: Rosemary, thyme, lemon zest.
• Spicy: Paprika, cayenne, onion powder.
• Rotisserie style: Mix paprika, garlic, salt, brown sugar.

Rub inside the cavity too.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Roast Chicken

Make a full meal:

• Air-fried potatoes or veggies (add last 20 minutes).
• Salad or steamed greens.
• Gravy from drippings.

Leftovers work great in sandwiches or soups.

Variations for Different Regions and Models

Times are similar worldwide, but note these:

• How long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer uk: Same as above—many BBC recipes use 180°C¹.
• How long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer australia: Identical, with local seasonings.
• How long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer nz: Follow standard guide.
• How long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer rotisserie: If your model has a rotisserie, use it at 180°C for 50-60 minutes—no flip needed.

For how long to cook a 1 2 kg chicken in air fryer ninja or similar, reduce by 5-10 minutes.

Safety First: Internal Temperature Matters

Chicken must reach 75°C (165°F) in the thigh. This kills bacteria. Invest in a digital thermometer—it’s worth it.

If juices run pink, cook longer. Resting raises the temperature slightly.

How to Adjust for Smaller or Larger Chickens

General rule: About 20 minutes per 500g at 180°C, plus flip.

• How long do you cook a small chicken in an air fryer: 40-50 minutes for 1-1.3 kg.
• How long to cook 1 6kg chicken in air fryer ninja: 55-65 minutes.

Test doneness always.

Cleanup and Storage Tips

Line the basket with foil (if allowed) for easy cleanup. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat at 160°C for 10 minutes.

FAQs About Cooking Chicken in Air Fryer

How long does it take to cook a 1.5 kg whole chicken in an air fryer?

Cooking time typically ranges from 45 to 60 minutes at 180°C (360°F).

• Start breast-side down for 30-40 minutes.
• Flip and cook for another 15-25 minutes. Many recipes report around 50 minutes total for a 1.5 kg chicken. Always check doneness rather than relying solely on time.

What is the best temperature for cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer?

The most common temperature is 180°C (360°F) for even cooking.

Some recipes start at 180°C and increase to 200°C (400°F) for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) and at least 70°C in the breast.

Alternatively, pierce the thigh; juices should run clear with no pink.

Should I flip the chicken during cooking?

Yes, most experts recommend starting breast-side down to keep the breast moist (juices flow into it), then flipping breast-side up halfway through for even cooking and crispy skin on top.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating for 3-5 minutes is recommended for even cooking and crispier skin, though many recipes work fine without it since air fryers heat up quickly.

How should I season or prepare the chicken for the best results?

• Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels for crispy skin.
• Rub with oil (olive or vegetable) and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, herbs).
• Optionally, stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, mastering how long to cook a 1.5 kg chicken in air fryer gives you quick, delicious meals with minimal effort². Aim for 50-60 minutes at 180°C, flip once, and always check 75°C internal temperature. You’ll get crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Ready to try it? What sides will you pair with your air fryer chicken?

References

1. BBC Food – Air Fryer Roast Chicken ↩︎
2. Simply Delicious Food – Air Fryer Whole Chicken – Detailed recipe for 1.5 kg chicken, step-by-step instructions targeting home cooks seeking easy weeknight meals. ↩︎