Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is a quick and simple way to enjoy a delicious meal. Cooking chicken in an air fryer helps it come out juicy and flavorful while keeping it healthier than frying in oil. This recipe is perfect for any night of the week or for a backyard gathering. Plus, it uses common ingredients that are easy to find!

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds and 1/2 inch thick)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 cup BBQ sauce

Directions

Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick cutlets.
In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and brown sugar until combined.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees for 4 minutes.
Place the chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and fry for 10 to 12 minutes.
Brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts and fry an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Serve the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken hot with your favorite sides. It pairs well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh salad. You can also slice it and add it to a bun for a tasty BBQ chicken sandwich.

How to Store Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Store any leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply put it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Make sure to cut the chicken into even thickness for consistent cooking.
Experiment with different BBQ sauces for a variety of flavors.
Let the chicken rest after cooking; it helps keep it juicy.

Variation

For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the spice mix or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also try marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook than boneless.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in an oven at 375 degrees for about 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 165 degrees internally.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost before reheating.