Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and done in under 30 minutes? These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are your answer.
Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and crisped to perfection in the air fryer – all with less fat than traditional frying methods. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the thighs are evenly coated.
2. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Air Fry the Chicken (First Round): Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with skin side down. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the chicken from crisping properly. If your air fryer is small and you can’t fit all the thighs in a single layer, cook them in batches. Air fry the chicken thighs for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
4. Sauce and Flip: Remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken thighs over with tongs. Brush the skin side generously with BBQ sauce.
5. Air Fry the Chicken (Second Round): Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
6. Final Glaze (Optional): For a thicker and caramelized BBQ sauce glaze, brush the chicken thighs with additional BBQ sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Checking for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thigh. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
8. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips
- You can use store-bought BBQ rub instead of individual spices.
- If your BBQ sauce is thin, you can thicken it up by simmering it in a saucepan over low heat for a few minutes before using it.
- For extra crispy skin, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes before adding the chicken.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the chicken from crisping properly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs and your air fryer model.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs!