Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked with a slightly crispy exterior. Coated in a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze, these chicken thighs make an easy and satisfying meal, ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings—all ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking: The air fryer delivers fast and even cooking with a crispy finish.
• Bold BBQ Flavor: Sweet and smoky sauce caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
• Juicy Every Time: Chicken thighs stay tender and moist, even with high heat.
• Minimal Cleanup: No oven or grill required—just one appliance and a few ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or outdoor-style meals indoors.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken
   Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.

3. Air Fry the Chicken
   Place the thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin-side down. Cook for 12 minutes.

4. Flip and Brush with BBQ Sauce
   Flip the chicken thighs over, brush generously with barbecue sauce, and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.

5. Rest and Serve
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–22 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning blend or BBQ sauce.
• Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking (reduce cook time by 3–4 minutes).
• Dry Rub Only: Skip the BBQ sauce and finish with just the seasoned rub for a crispier version.
• Sweet & Sticky: Mix honey or brown sugar into the BBQ sauce for a glazed finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, just reduce the cook time to 14–16 minutes total, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Use your favorite—whether sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

Can I cook more than six thighs?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

It’s not required, but you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but adjust the cook time and check doneness with a thermometer (165°F internal temperature).

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Apply BBQ sauce halfway through cooking to prevent burning from the sugars in the sauce.

Is skin-on chicken better?

Skin-on provides more flavor and crispiness, but skinless thighs work well too.

Do I need to flip the chicken?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and helps the skin crisp up nicely on both sides.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and seasoning blend.

What side dishes pair well with BBQ chicken thighs?

Coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, roasted veggies, or mac and cheese are excellent options.

Conclusion

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are a fast, flavorful way to enjoy smoky, saucy chicken without turning on the grill. With a crispy finish and juicy center, they’re sure to become a go-to meal for weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want big BBQ flavor with minimal effort.