Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in slightly caramelized barbecue sauce. Coat the chicken thighs with a spice rub to add extra flavor. You can use this same recipe of chicken breasts (instructions included).

In my opinion, you can never have enough easy chicken recipes! Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are super versatile and the serving options are endless. Some of my favorite pairings are white or brown rice and broccoli, corn on the cob, this colorful Quinoa Salad, White Bean Salad made with canned white beans, or these Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes.

Jump to:

• Why I love It
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions and Variations
• Step by Step Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Tips:
• Storage and Reheating
• Related Recipes
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why I love It

• 20 Minute Cook Time - Chicken cooks super quickly in the air fryer!
• Smoky Spice Rub - Rubbing the chicken with some pantry spices adds so much flavor and a smokiness to pair with the sweet barbecue sauce.
• Tender and Juicy - Perfectly cooked chicken that is super tender.

Ingredients Needed

You only need a few simple ingredient to make super tender and flavorful bbq chicken thighs in the air fryer.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs - You can also use chicken breasts or thighs
• Spices - Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking Spray
• Barbecue Sauce - Store bought or homemade

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some easy variations to this air fryer bbq chicken thighs recipe:

• Spice Level of Spice Rub - Depending on your preference for spice, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or even omit it entirely if you don't want any kick.
• Barbecue Sauce - You can use any kind of barbecue sauce that you like! You can even make it homemade with a recipe like this.
• BBQ Chicken Breasts - You can easily make this recipe using this same recipe with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The cook time will vary slightly, but still air fry them until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step by Step Instructions

Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs is about as easy as it gets! Dry rub the chicken thighs, air fry, then brush with your favorite bbq sauce. Ready in only 20 minutes!

1. Rub Chicken - In a small bowl, mix up the spices. Rub the chicken pieces with the spice rub on both sides.
2. Add to Air Fryer - Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and add the chicken.
3. Air Fry - Air fry at 375 degrees F for 16-18 minutes for thighs or 14-16 minutes for breasts, until the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
4. Brush with BBQ Sauce - Brush the tops of the chicken generously with the barbecue sauce. Air fry again at 400 degrees F for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is a little bubbly and caramelized.
5. Serve - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with sides of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Tips:

• Use Meat Thermometer to Check Internal Temperature - This is the best way to know that chicken is fully cooked. The internal temp should be at least 165 degrees F, but I prefer 170-175 degrees F for thighs.
• Use Similar Sized Chicken Thighs - If possible, it's best to use chicken thighs (or breasts) that are a similar size so they cook evenly. If some pieces are smaller than others you can pull them out earlier then add them all back in for the bbq sauce step.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating - Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350 degrees F about 5 minutes until warmed.

Related Recipes

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