Sizzling Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe: Juicy Goodness Awaits

Succulent chicken meets smoky barbecue flavors in this mouthwatering air fryer BBQ chicken recipe that promises a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Tender chicken drumsticks coated in a tangy, sweet barbecue sauce emerge perfectly charred and irresistible from the air fryer.

The magic happens when you seal in those robust flavors without excess oil or lengthy cooking times.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smokiness and zest that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this dish a go-to for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this foolproof, crowd-pleasing chicken recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken: Easy Favorite Features

• Breeze Through Cooking: Minimal steps and simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick and Delicious: Perfect for busy weeknights, this air fryer method delivers juicy chicken with crispy edges in under 20 minutes.
• Healthier Indulgence: Air frying requires less oil compared to traditional frying, creating a lighter yet still flavorful BBQ chicken meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of spices and tangy BBQ sauce creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

BBQ Chicken Air Fryer Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs provide rich flavor and juicy meat for this BBQ recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A classic spice mixture that enhances the chicken's natural taste and creates a delicious crust.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a sticky and delicious coating.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

How to Air Fry BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up The Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 375°F, getting it ready for some serious chicken magic.

Step 2: Trim The Chicken

Grab those chicken thighs and slice away any dangling fat pieces, making them neat and tidy.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage these spices generously over every inch of the chicken, ensuring total flavor coverage.

Step 4: First Cooking Round

Spritz your air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, giving each piece breathing room.

Cook for 7 minutes, then flip those beauties and cook another 7 minutes until they start looking golden and delicious.

Step 5: Saucy Finale

• Brush half the sauce on one side of the chicken
• Flip and coat the other side with remaining sauce

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.

The sauce will caramelize, creating a finger-licking exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Tips for Crispy, Juicy BBQ Chicken

• Remove visible fat from chicken thighs to reduce greasiness and enhance overall flavor.
• Massage seasoning thoroughly into chicken, ensuring even coverage for maximum taste in every bite.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Brush BBQ sauce gently and evenly, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior without burning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to guarantee crispy, well-cooked chicken with consistent browning.

BBQ Chicken Variations for Any Night

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace BBQ sauce with hot sauce and add cayenne pepper to the spice mix for a fiery version of the chicken.
• Herb Garden Version: Swap BBQ sauce with a fresh herb marinade using rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and replace traditional seasoning with a keto-friendly spice blend to make the recipe diabetes and low-carb diet friendly.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour for any potential coating to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Serving Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this juicy BBQ chicken with creamy coleslaw for a tangy crunch that balances the rich meat perfectly.
• Hearty Sidekick Selection: Serve alongside buttery corn on the cob and crispy roasted sweet potato wedges to create a complete Southern-style meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Weekend Gathering Plate: Create a casual backyard buffet by adding fresh green salad, warm dinner rolls, and pickled vegetables to complement the smoky chicken, making it ideal for family gatherings and weekend cookouts.
• Leftover Magic Hack: Transform remaining chicken into delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches or chop and toss into a zesty salad for a quick next-day lunch that keeps the flavor excitement going.

Air Fryer Chicken Storage Ideas

• Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat moist and preventing bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll stay fresh for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Warm chicken gently in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165F to maintain juiciness and crispiness.
• Keep unused BBQ sauce in the refrigerator in a sealed container, where it will remain good for approximately 4-6 weeks after opening.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out, as breasts cook faster than thighs.

• What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works well. Choose a sauce you enjoy, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy.

• Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?

No marinating is required. The spice rub and BBQ sauce provide plenty of flavor directly during cooking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and properly cooked.

Air Fryer Bbq Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken emerges from your air fryer with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy interior. Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, making this quick dinner a game-changer for busy home cooks seeking delicious weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken thighs, boneless skinless
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
• Non-stick cooking spray

Spice Rub:

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Set air fryer to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and reduce unnecessary greasiness.
3. Create a robust spice blend and thoroughly massage into both surfaces of the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Coat air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent potential sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
5. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing proper air circulation.
6. Cook chicken for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure uniform browning and consistent internal temperature.
7. After flipping, continue cooking for an additional 7 minutes until chicken begins to develop a golden exterior.
8. Generously apply BBQ sauce to one side of chicken, then flip and coat the opposite side with remaining sauce.
9. Return chicken to air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to caramelize and chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Verify doneness by checking that chicken is thoroughly cooked and sauce has created a glossy, slightly charred surface.

Notes

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce adherence.
• Adjust cooking time for different chicken thicknesses, using meat thermometer to verify 165F internal temperature.
• Use low-sugar BBQ sauce for healthier version or make homemade sauce to control sugar and sodium levels.
• Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance flavor absorption.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg