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Keto & Air Fryer Whole Zaatar Chicken
In a nutshell, keto diet consists of 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein and 5-10% carb, thus a juicy chicken with a crispy skin, covered with a Zaatar coating and swimming in its own pool of juices, and fat drippings is just the perfect Keto main dish.
I marinated the chicken with a full fat yogurt base marinade which contributed to the fat percentage required in this keto meal. Also, the sesame in the za’atar blend is high on fat and low on carb which makes it a keto strong asset.
I successuly tested this chicken several times and it comes out perfect every time, making Keto and non Keto people in my family quite happy!
Zaatar Health Benefits
Since COVID-19 rattled our lives, Zaatar has been the most solicited cooking asset in my kitchen. Among its many health benefits, Za’atar is a mood, immune, and energy booster.

You no longer need to make a special trip to the Middle Eastern store, as Amazon has a large variety of good Zaatar blends, which I objectively endorse, such as Ziyad or Zaatar by Z&Z.
Zaatar is Keto friendly as it is packed with excellent antioxidant herbs, such as Marjoram, thyme, and oregano, and contains toasted sesame that is high on fat and low on carb which makes it Keto approved.
Keto Zaatar Chicken
Zaatar Chicken Of Andrea’s Grill

Success Secrets Of Epic Keto & Air Fryer Zaatar Chicken
- Using organic chicken is almost a must for Keto followers. I got mine from Costco.
- Dry brine the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper to tenderize it and flavor it. This step makes all the difference in the texture and taste of chicken. Dry brine is less messy than the wet one and I strongly recommend it. (See recipe)
- Butterfly the chicken for even cooking, to fit in the Air fryer, and to reduce the cooking time. That is optional though.
- Apply the full fat yogurt based marinade at least 3 hours or preferably overnight for maximum penetration of flavors.
- Preheat the Air Fryer for 10 minutes before roasting the chicken.
- Air Fry the chicken for 20- 30 minutes until the juices run clear when you poke the breast with a fork.
- After the chicken is cooked to perfection, get it out of the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil.
Check Out More Egyptian Keto Recipes:
Also, you might like:
- Molokhia
- Salated Zabadi Bel Khiar (Cucumber-Yogurt Salad)
- Renga Bel Tahini (Egyptian Smoked Herring-Tahini Recipe)
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Keto & Air Fryer Egyptian Whole Zaatar Chicken
Recipe credit to Chez Nermine
Serves 4-6 people
INGREDIENTS
- One whole organic chicken, approx. 700 grams (preferably free range)
- Dry Brine (recipe follows)
- Yogurt-based marinade (recipe follows)
- Zaatar blend rub
- 1 tablespoon grass-fed butter
For the Dry Brine
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
For the Yogurt Marinade
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon za’atar blend
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or harissa (optional)
- ½ teaspoon seven spices
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
For the Zaatar Rub
- 1 – 2 tablespoons za’atar blend
DIRECTIONS
- Brine the chicken: Massage the chicken with salt and pepper over and under the skin. Place the chicken in a deep container, cover with stretch tight overnight in the fridge.
- Marinate the chicken: Mix together the olive oil, lemon, juice, za’atar, and spices then pour it over the chicken. Massage it well, over and under the skin. If you are not butterflying the chicken, fill the cavity with one whole onion, a quartered lemon and fresh thyme. Ideally, leave the chicken uncovered in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to dry and absorb the flavors.
- Apply the za’atar blend: Sprinkle 1 -2 tablespoon over the chicken and use your your gloved hands to adhere the za’atar to the skin to form a crust.
- Air Fry the chicken: Preheat the Air Fryer to 375°F, then place the marinated chicken over the air fryer tray. Let it Air Fry for 25-35 minutes or until the skin is tanned and crispy, and clear juice runs when the breast is poked with a fork. If using a thermometer, it should indicate 160°F when inserted in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Garnish & serve: Garnish with lemon slices, fresh thyme and serve with a carb-free green salad.
NERMINE’S NOTES
- Butterflying or spatchcocking the chicken will ensure even cooking and reduces the cooking time. Additionally, it will make it fit easier in some versions of the Air Fryer like this one.
- That said, feel free to cook it as it is without butterflying, yet I recommend filling the cavities with onions, garlic and some fresh thyme.