Ingredients and preparation
To make delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – You can also use chicken drumsticks or breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier in the air fryer.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – This helps the chicken skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth to the chicken, enhancing the BBQ flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For a subtle garlicky kick.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Complements the garlic and adds a savory note.
- 1/2 tsp salt – To season the chicken and bring out the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – A touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. Here’s how to prepare your chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry – Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken thighs. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Rub with olive oil – Coat each piece of chicken with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and to promote even browning in the air fryer.
- Season generously – In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken rest – Allow the seasoned chicken to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
Cooking instructions
Now that your chicken is prepped and ready, it’s time to cook it to perfection in the air fryer. Follow these steps for juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken with a crispy exterior:
- Preheat the air fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, which helps achieve that crispy skin.
- Arrange the chicken in the basket – Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece for the air to circulate, which is key to even cooking.
- Cook the chicken – Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes. After this time, flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Brush with BBQ sauce – Once the chicken is cooked through, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each piece. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly, giving the chicken that sticky, flavorful BBQ finish.
- Rest the chicken – After removing the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
Tips for perfect BBQ flavor
To achieve that perfect BBQ flavor in your air fryer chicken, there are a few key tips that will elevate your dish from good to great. These tips focus on enhancing the smoky, sweet, and savory elements that make BBQ chicken so irresistible.
- Choose the right BBQ sauce – The BBQ sauce you use can make or break the flavor of your chicken. Opt for a sauce that balances sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness. If you prefer a more personalized touch, consider making your own BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of liquid smoke for that authentic BBQ flavor.
- Don’t skip the smoked paprika – Smoked paprika is a game-changer when it comes to air fryer BBQ chicken. Since the air fryer doesn’t impart the same smoky flavor as a traditional grill, smoked paprika helps mimic that outdoor BBQ taste. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of chipotle powder for a spicier, smokier kick.
- Layer the BBQ sauce – For a deeper, more complex flavor, apply the BBQ sauce in layers. After the initial cooking time, brush the chicken with a thin layer of sauce and return it to the air fryer for a few minutes. Repeat this process once or twice more to build up a sticky, caramelized coating that’s packed with flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer – Overcooking can dry out your chicken, while undercooking can leave it unsafe to eat. To avoid either, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Let the chicken rest – After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with wood chips – If you’re really craving that authentic BBQ flavor, consider using a smoker box or wood chips in your air fryer (if your model allows it). This can add an extra layer of smokiness that mimics the flavor of a traditional grill.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create air fryer BBQ chicken that rivals any grilled version, with a perfect balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold BBQ flavor.