Roasted chicken is the perfect fall food. Throw some root vegetables into the mix and you have a full Sunday (or Monday or Tuesday) dinner ready for a crew. Roasted chicken isn't highly technical but it does take time, especially in a full-size oven, which needs preheat time.ꀖI found a way to cut roasted chicken cooking time by 15 to 20% using the air fryer. The skin gets even crispier and with the air fryer's signature nonstick basket, there's very little scrubbing to do after.ꀩ

　　Air fryer chicken is one of the easiest and most satisfying recipes I've made lately. David Watsky/CNET

　　To make a perfect roasted chicken in about 45 minutes, all you need is anꀯxA0;(4 quarts or larger,) a chicken and some simple spices and pantry ingredients. I'm well versed in the , but air fryer chicken is perhaps the best cool weather cooking discovery I've made while tinkering with the trendy convection cookers.

　　Here's how I make a perfect air fryer roasted chicken almost every week.

　　You sure can. The secret to great roasted chicken is high heat while not overcooking the bird for a crispy skin with moist, tender meat. An for this method since it envelops the food inside with hot quickly moving air and manages to crisp outer layers better than a full-size convection oven that features more widely dispersed heat. The smaller air fryer cooking chamber also means more consistent temps throughout a single session.

　　Air fryers are typically smaller than wall ovens, but many models are capable of handling a 3- or 4-pound chicken. I cooked a full 4-pound roaster and it fit comfortably inside my Dreoꀷ Read more:ꀩ

　　I used a fancy smart air fryer but just about any 5-quart model will do. David Watsky/CNET

　　This fancy souped-up air fryer has a steam feature and smart cooking programs, but I didn't need or use them. I cooked the chicken on basic air fryer mode at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 55 minutes, flipping the bird (ha!) after 25. You , either. This (on sale for $90) will get the job done. As will this model.ꀖThere was minimal prep in this air fryer chicken recipe, which I adapted from a few found online and my go-to oven-roasted chicken recipe. I whisked together a quick marinade with olive oil, grain mustard, salt, pepper and some of my favorite . I stuffed the chicken with half of an orange, some green onion and a bunch of fresh parsley that was down to its days in the fridge.

　　About 10 minutes before I pulled it from the air fryer. David Watsky/CNET

　　I served the chicken with made in my speedy and effortlessꀵbut I could have just as easily dropped some potatoes or other root vegetables in with the chicken and had myself with a full dinner to feed four or five -- all cooked in the confines of one nonstick air fryer basket.

　　My only other note when making an air fryer bird is to keep a close eye on the chicken, especially toward the end. The heat from an air fryer is intense and could burn the skin if you have it cranked up too high or leave it in too long. If your skin seems to be getting brown faster than the chicken is coming to temp inside, pull back on the heat and continue monitoring.ꀖYou can always fire it up again once the meat is cooked to get a crispy skin before serving. You'll know the meat is cooked when a meat probe reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit when plunged into the thickest part of the breast.

　　You'll need at least a 5-quart air fryer to make a roasted chicken. David Watsky/CNET4-pound chicken, giblets removed3 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons grain mustardSeasoning blend (optional)Salt and pepper to tasteLemon or orangeFresh herbs

　　Almost done... David Watsky/CNETPreheat air fryer to 360 degrees FahrenheitWhisk olive oil, mustard, seasoning blend, salt and pepper togetherRub mustard marinade over the entire chickenPlace chicken in air fryer basket breast down on top of the wire rack and cook for 25 minutesFlip the bird breast up and cook for the another 20 minutesRemove when juices run clear or an internal thermometer reads 160 degrees FahrenheitLet stand for 5 minutes before serving. Pour juices from the air fryer basket over sliced chicken or use to make a gravy

　　There it is.ꀩavid Watsky/CNET