Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Make juicy, flavorful air fryer BBQ chicken with crispy skin in less time than traditional methods. This easy recipe delivers smoky, caramelized BBQ goodness with minimal effort and no grill needed!
I love a good barbecue, but sometimes, I just don’t have the time or patience to fire up the grill. That’s where my air fryer BBQ chicken comes in. It gives you the same smoky, caramelized flavor without the hassle of outdoor cooking. Plus, there’s no need to wait for the perfect weather. This air fryer recipe works any time of year!
What I love most about this method is how quick and easy it is. No standing over a hot grill or worrying about flare-ups—just perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin in less than 30 minutes. And let’s be real, sometimes I just want BBQ without the extra cleanup. The air fryer makes that possible with way less mess, which is always a win in my book.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a backyard-style feast indoors, this recipe delivers. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for pairing with your favorite sides. Trust me, once you try this air fryer BBQ chicken, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make air fryer BBQ chicken:
- Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) – A lean protein choice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Garlic powder – Adds a rich, savory depth of flavor without overpowering the BBQ sauce.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps tenderize it.
- Ground black pepper – Provides mild heat and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce – Coats the chicken with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Olive oil or avocado oil – Prevents sticking and promotes even cooking while adding a touch of moisture.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways to customize this air fryer BBQ chicken recipe:
- Use different BBQ sauces – Try smoky, spicy, honey, or mustard-based BBQ sauces for a unique twist.
- Change up the seasoning – Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or onion powder for extra depth.
- Swap the chicken cut – Use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings for a juicier or more budget-friendly option.
- Make it spicy – Add chili powder or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
- Add a crispy coating – Lightly coat the chicken with panko or crushed pork rinds before air frying for extra crunch.
- Use a marinade – Let the chicken soak in BBQ sauce or a simple spice rub overnight for deeper flavor.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly brush oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning blend.
Place the seasoned chicken into the prepared air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes.
Flip the chicken pieces and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of each chicken piece.
Air fry for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Note
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after air frying to lock in juices and keep it tender. This prevents dryness and ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy!
Storage
To store leftover air fryer BBQ chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, the air fryer is the best option to maintain its texture—simply heat at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, but the skin may lose some crispiness. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Brush for Extra Flavor!
For a deeper BBQ taste, brush on an extra layer of sauce after cooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This adds even more smoky, caramelized goodness!
- Preheat the air fryer – This ensures even cooking and helps create a better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Leave space between chicken pieces for proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer – Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Apply BBQ sauce at the end – Adding it too early can cause burning due to the sugar content.
- Flip the chicken halfway through – This ensures even cooking and prevents one side from drying out.
- Lightly grease the basket – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Serving Suggestions
When serving air fryer BBQ chicken, pair it with a light and refreshing salad for a well-balanced meal. I often enjoy a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the rich, smoky flavors of the chicken. Adding fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions brings vibrant color and extra texture to your plate.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. The creaminess of mashed potatoes complements the bold BBQ sauce, while coleslaw adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast. These sides work together to create a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that can please any crowd.
If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a twist, serve the air fryer BBQ chicken on top of a warm grain salad or inside a wrap. Quinoa or farro mixed with roasted veggies makes a wholesome, filling base that pairs beautifully with the smoky chicken. You can also add a dollop of guacamole or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the dish further, making it perfect for a casual dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
FAQs
Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- olive oil or avocado oil to grease air fryer basket
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly brush oil on the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoning blend.
- Place the seasoned chicken into the prepared air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of each chicken piece. Air fry for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after air frying to lock in juices and keep it tender. This prevents dryness and ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy!
- For a deeper BBQ taste, brush on an extra layer of sauce after cooking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This adds even more smoky, caramelized goodness!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between chicken pieces for proper air circulation.
Nutrition
Equipment
- air fryer
