Description
This BBQ chicken air fryer recipe delivers juicy chicken with sticky, smoky BBQ flavor in under 30 minutes. The air fryer keeps the chicken tender while the sauce caramelizes perfectly at the end.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil.
3. Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
5. Place the chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10 minutes.
7. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes.
8. Brush BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.
9. Air fry for another 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and glossy.
10. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not add BBQ sauce too early or it may burn.
Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Add extra BBQ sauce before serving for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg