This Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken (aka spatchcock chicken) is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. It’s a quick, delicious way to level up your weeknight dinner—no oven required.
I’ve been making butterfly chicken for years, and once I tried it in the air fryer—game over. The even heat gives you juicy meat and golden, crisp skin in half the time of oven roasting. Adding citrus to the marinade? That’s my secret weapon. The lemon, lime, and orange not only tenderize the meat but give it a fresh, zesty punch that cuts through the richness just right.
If you're into easy, flavor-loaded air fryer recipes, try my Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole or Air Fryer Cauliflower Pizza Crust—both family-tested and approved!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bright Citrus Flavor: The combination of lemon, lime, and orange juices infuses the chicken with a tangy freshness.
- Even Cooking: Butterflying the chicken allows it to cook evenly in the air fryer, resulting in a perfectly roasted bird.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is both convenient and delicious.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Whole Butterflied Chicken: Removing the backbone and flattening the chicken ensures even cooking.
- Lemon, Lime, and Orange Juices: Freshly squeezed juices provide the best flavor, but bottled versions work in a pinch.
- White Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that complements the citrus.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp the skin and keeps the meat moist.
- Spices: Garlic powder, parsley, salt, and thyme enhance the overall flavor profile.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No Whole Chicken? Use chicken thighs or breasts—adjust cooking time for smaller cuts.
- Different Marinade: Swap citrus juices for balsamic vinegar and honey for a richer glaze.
- Spice It Up: Add paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for a bolder kick.
✨ Want to round it out? Serve with Air Fryer Bok Choy, Beet And Sweet Potato Salad, or a crisp Simple Avocado Salad for a colorful, well-balanced plate.
🔧 Air Fryer Size & Cook Time Tips
Wondering if your air fryer can handle a whole spatchcock chicken? I’ve tested this in several models, and here’s what I’ve learned:
- Air Fryer Size: A 5.8-quart air fryer can typically fit a 4 to 5-pound butterflied chicken. If your air fryer is smaller, consider using split chicken breasts or thighs instead.
- Cook Time Guide: For a 4-pound chicken, air fry at 360°F for about 35–40 minutes. Larger birds (closer to 5 lbs) may need up to 45 minutes. Always flip halfway and use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes after cooking to lock in juices—it makes a big difference in tenderness!
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken?
Nothing is hard about this recipe. It just takes a little chopping, mixing, and marinating. Follow the steps below for a healthy air fryer chicken recipe.
- Step 1: Slice 1 lemon into whole slices, and add it to a mixing bowl. Next, combine the rest of the ingredients minus the chicken into the mixing bowl. Mix to combine.
- Step 2: Add the chicken to the mixing bowl. Flip the chicken from the chicken breast side to the bottom of the chicken two to three times to coat it. Then, allow the chicken to marinate in the citrus seasonings in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Next remove the backbone from the chicken, use a knife to cut through the breast bone, and flatten the Chicken using a mallet. The raw meat should now be shaped like a butterfly. Using a baking dish that fits both the chicken and air fryer basket, place the chicken in the pan. Pour the marinade over the chicken but don’t overfill the pan. Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken.
- Step 4: Finally, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook it at 350℉ for 30 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165℉. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and carve it up. Whether you love the chicken breast, the leg, or chicken thigh meat, serve your chicken and garnish with lemon and parsley if you desire.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Butterflying the Chicken: Use sharp kitchen shears to remove the backbone, then press down on the breastbone to flatten.
- Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors.
- Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Rest Is Key: After air frying, let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute so your meat stays tender and flavorful—not dry.
💭 FAQs
Air Fryer Citrus Butterfly Chicken is a delicious and healthy way to cook chicken. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Then, it is placed in an air fryer and cooked until crispy and golden brown.
The resulting chicken is juicy and full of flavor, and the lemon-garlic sauce provides a perfect finishing touch. Air Fryer Citrus Butterfly Chicken is a simple and healthy recipe that is sure to please the whole family.
To butterfly a chicken, start by removing the backbone. Then, use a sharp knife to carefully cut through the breastbone. Once the chicken is open, flatten it out and tuck in the wings.
Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. However, the cook time will be reduced. I prefer to use a whole chicken because it comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This step is not necessary, but it will help to infuse more flavor into the meat.
To store leftover air fryer chicken, let the chicken cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to four days.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Air fryer butterfly chicken is perfectly served with a simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado. But, if you want more than a salad, here are some more side ideas:
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Low Carb Broccoli Salad
- Almond Milk Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad
- Roasted Maple Brussel Sprouts
- Cilantro Garlic Rice
What Can I Do With Leftover Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken?
Leftover butterfly chicken is super versatile! Shred it for tacos, slice it into wraps or sandwiches, toss it into a salad, or stir it into soups and pasta dishes for an easy protein boost. It also reheats well in the air fryer—just a few minutes at 350°F and it's good as new!
🍽 More Easy Chicken Dishes
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Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 Lemons
- ¼ Cup Lime juice
- ¼ Cup White Wine Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic
- 2 Teaspoons Parsley
- 1 Teaspoon Thyme
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Slice 1 lemon into whole slices. Add to mixing bowl
- Combine the rest of the ingredients minus the chicken to the mixing bowl. Mix
- Add the chicken to the mixing bowl. Flip the chicken two to three times to coat it.
- Let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes
- Using a pan, the fits both the chicken and air fryer basket, place the chicken in the pan. pour marinade over the chicken but don’t over fill the pan
- Place lemon slices across the top of the chicken.
- Cook at 350℉ for 30 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°
- Remove the chicken and carve.
- Garnish with lemon and parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
I've made this recipe countless times, and it's always a hit. The citrus marinade brings a refreshing twist to the classic roast chicken. Let me know how it turns out for you!