Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re after a dinner that delivers big flavor with low fuss, then these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy, seasoned chicken with a lacquered, sticky barbecue crust and irresistibly crispy skin—all whipped up in under half an hour right in your air fryer. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a finger-licking main dish that’s equal parts easy and impressive, making it perfect for busy weeknights, fun weekends, or any time you crave classic BBQ taste without firing up the grill. Get ready to add Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is just how simple the ingredient list is, yet each item pulls its weight when it comes to taste, texture, or visual appeal. You’ll be amazed how these familiar pantry staples and fridge favorites come together for crave-worthy chicken that truly shines.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer the juiciest meat and that coveted crispy skin, plus they soak up all those BBQ flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken for even cooking and allows seasonings to stick for extra flavor in every bite.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth to the seasoning blend, bringing subtle BBQ vibes even before the sauce goes on.
- Garlic Powder: Lends savoriness and a gentle punch of garlic that plays perfectly with smoky and sweet barbecue sauce.
- Onion Powder: Offers a mild, aromatic sweetness that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned, not bland.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, peppery spice for just a touch of heat.
- Barbecue Sauce: Classic BBQ flavor in every bite; for smoky or tangy notes, use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing extra moisture is the secret to really crispy skin—it helps the oil and spices stick, and prevents steaming as they cook.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. The bold, fragrant seasoning forms the flavor base, so make sure every nook and cranny is covered.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F and give it a few minutes to preheat. This head start helps the chicken get crispy right from the beginning, so don’t skip it if you want that perfect texture on your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs.
Step 4: Arrange in the Basket
Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding; this ensures even crisping.
Step 5: Begin Cooking
Cook the chicken for 12 minutes. Starting skin side down lets the fat render, making the skin golden and crisp. Resist peeking too often so the hot air works its magic!
Step 6: Flip and Sauce
After 12 minutes, flip the thighs over so the skin side is now facing up. Brush generously with barbecue sauce. This first slather lets the sauce caramelize directly on the skin for that delicious sticky finish Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are known for.
Step 7: Finish Air Frying
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye out during the last couple minutes—once you see that glossy, sticky sauce and crispy edges, you know they’re ready. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy results.
Step 8: Final Sauce (Optional)
For extra sauciness, brush the thighs with one last coat of barbecue sauce before serving. This step adds that glistening, finger-licking finish and a fresh burst of sweet, smoky flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Try sprinkling your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onion for a pop of color and freshness. For added zing, a squeeze of lemon or a quick grating of zest will brighten up those bold BBQ flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken is a natural with classic BBQ sides—think creamy coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a summery salad. For a gluten-free feast, go with grilled veggies or a seasonal fruit salad alongside your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs.
Creative Ways to Present
Not just for the dinner table! Pull the chicken from the bone and stuff it into sandwiches, serve it atop a crisp green salad, or toss leftovers onto flatbreads and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce. These versatile Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are just as fantastic for casual backyard gatherings as they are for a cozy weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), store your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They retain their flavor and make quick, tasty lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
Want to save a batch for later? Once cooled, freeze the chicken thighs individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that crave-worthy crispy skin, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes. The chicken stays juicy and gets a quick refresh, tasting almost as good as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs also work wonderfully with this recipe. Just reduce your air fryer cooking time by about 4–5 minutes and check for doneness—juicy, saucy results still guaranteed.
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning, not overcrowding the basket, and starting them skin side down all help in getting that crispy skin that makes Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs so irresistible.
What’s the best kind of barbecue sauce to use?
Your favorite sauce is always the best choice! For smoky depth, opt for hickory or mesquite BBQ sauce; for a tangy twist, try a Carolina gold or vinegar-based sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect match.
Can I prep the chicken in advance?
Yes! You can season the chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day ahead. This not only saves time but lets the flavors soak in for even more tasty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the skin will be crisp and golden with beautifully caramelized sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you love a good BBQ chicken but crave something effortless and mess-free, give these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs a whirl! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they might just become your new go-to for quick weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend feasts. I hope you enjoy every saucy, crispy, satisfyingly tender bite!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep frying. The perfect balance of smoky spices and sweet barbecue sauce makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season the Chicken: Toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 380°F.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange thighs in the basket, cook for 12 minutes, flip, brush with barbecue sauce, cook for another 8–10 minutes.
- Serve: Brush with more sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, choose a hickory or mesquite-style BBQ sauce.
- If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by 4–5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
