If you are looking for an easy dinner that delivers juicy chicken with a sticky, caramelized barbecue glaze, these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are about to become a favorite. They are packed with smoky flavor, take less than 30 minutes to make, and use simple pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
The air fryer cooks the chicken until it is tender on the inside while creating lightly crisp edges on the outside. Brushing on the barbecue sauce during the final minutes of cooking allows it to become rich and glossy without burning. The result is chicken that tastes like it came off the grill without having to fire one up.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick family dinner. Pair it with roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
Also check out these posts for Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, Easy Air Fryer Recipes, and Best Air Fryer Appetizers!
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Why This Works
- The air fryer cooks chicken thighs quickly while keeping them juicy.
- I've aslo made BBQ chicken on the Blackstone which is super easy - Blackstone BBQ Chicken!
- BBQ sauce is added near the end so it caramelizes instead of burning.
- Boneless chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful.
- Simple pantry seasonings create plenty of flavor before the sauce is added.
- Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Easy to customize with your favorite barbecue sauce.
Ingredients Needed for BBQ Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and flavorful in the air fryer and are forgiving if cooked a minute or two longer.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and encourages light browning.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor without overpowering the barbecue sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ sauce.
- Onion powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild amount of spice and balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or honey barbecue all work well.
How to Make BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for about 3 minutes.
Place the chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping the chicken so the hot air can circulate properly.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Flip each chicken thigh over using tongs. Brush the tops generously with barbecue sauce.
Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Brush on another light layer of barbecue sauce during the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. This creates a rich, sticky glaze without allowing the sugars in the sauce to burn.
Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
Pro Tips for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Do not add the barbecue sauce at the beginning of cooking. Most barbecue sauces contain sugar, which can burn if cooked for too long.
- Use chicken thighs that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so begin checking the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Try different barbecue sauces to change the flavor. Honey BBQ, spicy chipotle, Kansas City style, and smoky mesquite are all delicious options.
- For extra caramelization, brush on one final layer of sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the texture better than using a microwave.
You can also freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs pair well with many easy side dishes.
- Air fryer baby potatoes
- Smoked Corn on the Cob in Husk
- Coleslaw
- Paula Deen's Mac and Cheese
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Watermelon slices for a fresh summer side
They are also delicious sliced over salads, tucked into sandwiches, or served in wraps for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Bone-in thighs work well but will require additional cooking time. Always verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Yes. Bone-in thighs work well but will require additional cooking time. Always verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Brush it on during the last 5 to 7 minutes of cooking. This allows it to caramelize without burning.
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 2 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Make juicy, flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs in under 30 minutes! This easy recipe features tender chicken with a smoky, caramelized barbecue glaze that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and brush with BBQ sauce.
- Cook for 5–7 more minutes.
- Brush with another layer of BBQ sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Notes
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
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