Making juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken in an air fryer is quick, easy, and delicious! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy homemade BBQ chicken with that perfect crispy outside and tender, moist inside.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs or drumsticks
- BBQ seasoning or rub
- BBQ sauce
- Vegetable or canola oil
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush or silicone brush
Steps
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat. Pound the chicken with a meat mallet until it is even in thickness. This helps it cook evenly.
Place the chicken in a mixing bowl. Season both sides with BBQ seasoning rub. Massage the seasoning into the meat.
Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature for the flavor to penetrate. You can also refrigerate up to overnight.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
3. Cook the Chicken
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil. This prevents sticking.
Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd.
Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Baste with BBQ Sauce
During the last 2-3 minutes of cook time, generously baste the chicken with bbq sauce using a silicone brush.
Continue cooking until the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Slice or shred the bbq chicken and serve warm. Enjoy on its own, in sandwiches, over salad, rice, pasta, or potatoes.
Tips
- For extra crispy skin, spray the chicken with oil before air frying.
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade bbq sauce. Sweet, spicy, tangy – anything goes!
- For evenly cooked chicken, choose similarly sized pieces. Cut larger pieces in half.
- Chicken thighs and legs have more fat so they stay juicier. Breasts cook quicker.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making BBQ Chicken in an Air Fryer
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal. They stay juicier than breasts. You can leave the skin on for crispy skin.
How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?
At 390°F, boneless breasts take 6-8 minutes per side. Thighs and drumsticks take 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway. Check internal temperature.
Can you put raw chicken straight into the air fryer?
Yes, but spritz it with oil first. This helps achieve crispy skin. Season it before air frying.
Should you flip chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking. Use tongs to carefully flip.
How do you keep air fried chicken juicy?
Brine or marinate it first. Don’t overcook it. Air fry at a higher temp for a shorter time. Let it rest before cutting.
What temperature kills bacteria in chicken?
165°F kills any harmful bacteria like salmonella. Check temp in thickest part. Juices should run clear.
Can I reheat leftover air fried chicken?
Yes, reheat it in the air fryer at 330°F for 5-10 minutes until hot. Or microwave for 1-2 mins covered.
Conclusion
Air fried BBQ chicken is a quick and easy dinner idea the whole family will love. By following these simple steps for preparing and seasoning the chicken, setting the right air fryer temperature, flipping halfway through, and basting with sauce at the end, you can make perfectly tender and juicy BBQ chicken any night of the week. Experiment with different cuts of chicken and flavors of barbecue sauce. Serve on its own or in sandwiches, salads, tacos – the possibilities are endless! Enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken with that crave-worthy crispy exterior and moist interior next time.