Here’s a quick and juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe—crispy on the outside, tender inside, with minimal cleanup.
🍗 Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Serves: 2–4
Prep & cook time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients
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2–4 chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
Instructions
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Prep chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. -
Preheat air fryer:
380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. -
Cook chicken:
Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. -
Add BBQ sauce:
Brush chicken with BBQ sauce, then cook another 3–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce is caramelized. -
Serve:
Let rest 2–3 minutes. Serve with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or air-fried fries.
Tips
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Extra smoky: Add ½ tsp liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
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Crispier skin: Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
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Marinate: For more flavor, coat chicken with BBQ sauce and spices 30 minutes ahead.
If you want, I can make a quick 20-minute version using chicken tenders or drumsticks, perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal prep.