As a cooking enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for easy, delicious, and quick recipes. One of my favorite kitchen appliances has to be the air fryer – it’s so versatile and perfect for making dishes that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. If you love BBQ chicken but don’t want to spend hours grilling or baking, then these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are the recipe for you. They are packed with flavor, perfectly charred, and only take a fraction of the time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or just satisfying a BBQ craving. The air fryer ensures that the skin crisps up beautifully while the chicken stays tender and juicy inside. Plus, with the BBQ sauce generously coating the chicken, every bite is full of smoky, tangy goodness. Let’s get started on this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are the star of this dish. They are juicy, flavorful, and cook perfectly in the air fryer. The bone-in skin-on thighs will provide that crispy texture we all love, but boneless thighs will work just as well if you prefer them.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is what gives this dish its smoky, tangy flavor. Choose your favorite variety—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or a combination of both! You can even use homemade BBQ sauce for that extra special touch.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to crisp up the skin while keeping the chicken moist. A light drizzle over the chicken thighs before cooking will help achieve that golden brown color and extra crunch.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken. It brings a savory depth that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce.
Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor to the chicken thighs, enhancing the BBQ taste. It also gives the skin a beautiful color, making the dish even more appetizing.
Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings help balance all the flavors. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, while pepper adds a bit of heat.
Ingredients List
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the skin becomes crispy. Rub the thighs with olive oil, ensuring each one is evenly coated. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – you want to get flavor into every bite!
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy texture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce onto each thigh. Return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and get sticky.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The crispy skin and juicy meat, combined with the smoky BBQ sauce, will make for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain more moisture and cook up crispier than boneless, skinless thighs. If you’re in a rush, boneless thighs will also work well.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure there’s enough space between each chicken thigh in the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and gets crispy.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your liking. Add some honey for sweetness or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be used. They will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Can I cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What is the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe? The best BBQ sauce depends on your personal preference. A smoky or tangy BBQ sauce works great, but feel free to experiment with your favorite flavor.
Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes, you can bake these BBQ chicken thighs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
With these tips and the easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy and tender BBQ chicken thighs right from your air fryer. Happy cooking!