When I’m craving BBQ chicken with that smoky, caramelized glaze but don’t want the hassle of grilling, Air Fryer BBQ Chicken saves my day. It’s everything you love about barbecue, made quick and easy in your air fryer. Crispy edges, tender meat, and bold tangy flavors—all ready in under 30 minutes.
I’ve been making this recipe on repeat because it’s so versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
I recently got hooked on air fryer chicken recipes, and the Air Fryer Chicken Patties have become my favorite for easy dinners, while the Air Fryer Chicken Bites are perfect for quick, tasty snacks—my family loves them!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: No grill required—your air fryer cooks this dish in just 20–25 minutes.
- Perfectly caramelized glaze: The BBQ sauce becomes sticky and smoky with slightly crisp edges.
- Healthier option: With little to no oil, this recipe keeps things lighter without compromising on flavor.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this juicy, flavorful chicken.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this delicious BBQ chicken:
- Chicken (2 lbs): Thighs, drumsticks, or bone-in breasts work best, but boneless options are great for quicker cooking.
- BBQ Sauce (1/2 cup): Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for a personal twist.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle savory note.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Enhances that smoky BBQ flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Brings out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
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Equipment You’ll Need
Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is super easy and simple, you don’t need much to pull it off. Here’s EXACTLY what you’ll need:
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! Any model will work, but make sure it has enough space for your chicken to cook evenly.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the chicken halfway through cooking without damaging the glaze.
- Basting Brush: To coat the chicken with BBQ sauce during the final minutes for that caramelized finish.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is well cooked and juicy at an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining any seasoning or sauces before applying them to the chicken.
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How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Prep the Chicken
First, you grab your chicken and give it a little pat-down with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures even cooking. You rub the chicken pieces with olive oil, then you sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and of course pepper.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Alright, time to preheat our trusty air fryer! Set it to 375°F for about 3–5 minutes. It ensures even cooking and helps the chicken develop a crispy exterior.
Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For bone-in chicken, the cook time may be closer to 25 minutes.
Add the BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, you brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. The sauce will caramelize and create that sticky, smoky glaze we all love.
Serve and Enjoy
Carefully take the chicken out of the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. You can serve it with BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite sides for a complete meal.
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Tips for the Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Choose the right chicken cut: Bone-in thighs and drumsticks are naturally juicier, but boneless breasts are a great option for a leaner dish.
- Preheat the air fryer:This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown exterior.
- Add BBQ sauce at the end: Brushing the sauce on during the last 5 minutes prevents it from burning while allowing it to caramelize perfectly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cooking in batches ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
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What to Serve with Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with classic and creative sides alike. For a traditional BBQ meal, serve it with creamy coleslaw or buttery cornbread. Want a comforting side? Try Cheesy Smoked Mac and Cheese or air fryer mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things light, roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts work wonderfully. Personnally I love to serve them with potato fries or a fresh garden salad also make great additions. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over everything for that signature tangy kick.
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Storing and Freezing Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Storing it for later this week: Leftovers are to be contained within an airtight enclosure and transferred to a refrigerated environment. Viability is guaranteed for a period of 72 hours.
Freezing: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then you place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in a freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to maintain its crispy texture and juicy interior. I don t recommand microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
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How to Reheat Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Reheating this BBQ chicken is easy and ensures it stays juicy and flavorful. Simply you preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the leftover chicken for about 5 minutes. This way keeps the skin crispy and the meat tender. If reheating from frozen, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before placing it in the air fryer.
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Recipe Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Add cayenne pepper or sriracha to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick, or you mix in honey or brown sugar for a sweeter glaze. Want to try something different? Swap out BBQ sauce for teriyaki sauce or buffalo sauce for a fun twist. You can also use this recipe with tofu if you’re looking for a change of pace. Whatever variation you choose, the air fryer ensures perfect results every time.
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FAQs About Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Can I use boneless chicken for this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe?
Yes! Boneless chicken works great, but it cooks faster—adjust the time to 15–18 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use whatever BBQ sauce you love! Sweet, smoky, or tangy—all options work beautifully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to stop chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly you grease the basket with cooking spray or rub the chicken with olive oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce or a dry rub for a few hours enhances the flavor even more.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check if internal temperature of your chicken reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is the ultimate combination of convenience and bold flavor. The air fryer guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze that’s irresistible. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner, meal prep, or a backyard BBQ-style feast, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—let me know your favorite twists and sides in the comments below!
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Juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy and flavorful air fryer BBQ chicken with a smoky, tangy glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner in under 30 minute
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs (thighs, drumsticks, or bone-in breasts; boneless works for quicker cooking)
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup (use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Add-Ins: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness
Instructions
- To begin, prep your chicken by patting each piece dry with paper towels. This step is important because it removes excess moisture, ensuring the seasoning sticks well and the chicken cooks evenly. Rub the chicken with olive oil to help the spices adhere, then season generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of honey for an extra layer of flavor.
- Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately when placed inside, resulting in a beautifully caramelized exterior. Let the air fryer run empty for 3–5 minutes to reach the desired temperature. This step guarantees even cooking and that crispy texture we’re aiming for.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Be sure to leave some space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate freely. Cook the chicken for 20–25 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. If you’re using bone-in chicken, aim for closer to 25 minutes, as it takes a bit longer to cook through. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- As the chicken nears the end of its cooking time, it’s time to add the BBQ sauce. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, generously brush the tops of each piece with your favorite BBQ sauce. This timing is key to achieving a caramelized glaze without burning the sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble and slightly thicken as it cooks, creating a smoky, sticky layer that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Finally, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Serve your BBQ chicken hot, with extra sauce on the side for dipping and your favorite sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted veggies.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Layering: Avoid overlapping chicken in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispy skin.
- Sauce Timing: Adding BBQ sauce too early can burn it. Brush it on during the last 5 minutes for the perfect glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 26 g
