Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs smothered in BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

Servings: 4 | Cook Time: 18 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set the air fryer to 380°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
  2. Season: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken thighs.
  3. Arrange: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down, without overcrowding.
  4. Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for another 6 minutes.
  5. Sauce: Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs and air fry at 400°F for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Tips

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before seasoning for crispier skin.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking.

Try a Different Way to Cook It

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe, you might also love this Crockpot chicken recipe: Crockpot Pulled BBQ Chicken!