Step 1: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme to create a seasoning paste.
Step 3: Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
Step 4: Place the quartered lemon and smashed garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity.
Step 5: Preheat air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Place chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Flip chicken breast-side up and cook for another 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Step 8: Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.