Air fryer bbq chicken thighs is an easy and delicious recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes! This is a great meal for any night of the week and can be served with a side of rice or potatoes.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is so easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The chicken thighs are rubbed with a homemade bbq rub and bbq sauce and then cooked in the air fryer until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Chicken is probably the number one thing that we cook in our air fryer at home, it just makes the skin so crispy and delicious unlike how the oven achieves. If you’re on the hunt for an air fryer check out Capital One Shopping to get a good deal. I’ve linked our air fryer here!
How to make air fryer bbq chicken thighs
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Chicken thighs
- BBQ sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Spray oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the bbq sauce all over the chicken thighs.
4. Spray the basket of the air fryer with oil and then place the chicken thighs in the basket.
5. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, then coat in bbq sauce.
7. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, on a 390-degree Fahrenheit or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve with a side of rice or potatoes and enjoy!
Recipe tips and variations :
-If you want a little extra crunch on your chicken, you can try coating it with some flour or bread crumbs before cooking.
-For a healthier version of this recipe, you can use skinless and boneless chicken breasts.
-Try serving air fryer bbq chicken thighs with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
FAQS:
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
It usually takes around 15 -17 minutes to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
Can I use skinless and boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless and boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with air fryer bbq chicken thighs?
You can serve air fryer bbq chicken thighs with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
How can I make oven barbecue chicken thighs?
For oven baked chicken thighs, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and brush with the BBQ sauce mixture. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
How do I make these barbecue chicken thighs on the grill?
For grilled chicken thighs, preheat grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill chicken for about 10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. basting with the BBQ sauce mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I make these in the crockpot?
To make crockpot barbecue chicken thighs, add all of the ingredients to a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
How can I make these keto-friendly?
To make keto-friendly air fryer bbq chicken thighs, simply omit the sugar from the BBQ sauce recipe. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce if you prefer.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free air fryer bbq chicken thighs, use a gluten-free BBQ sauce or omit the sauce altogether.
What is the best way to store leftover barbecue chicken?
Leftover barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Is barbecue chicken healthy?
Barbecue chicken can be a healthy option, depending on how it is prepared. The sauce can also be reduced in sugar to make it a healthier option as well.
How can I make these air fryer bbq chicken thighs extra crispy?
For extra crispy air fryer bbq chicken thighs, you can try coating them with some flour or bread crumbs before cooking. You can also cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time.
What are the calories of a barbecue chicken leg?
The calorie content of barbecue chicken legs will vary depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. Recipes can use skinless and boneless chicken breasts, which will make it a lower calorie option.
Air fryer bbq chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner option. If you give this recipe a try, let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Looking for more air fryer chicken recipes? Try these out:
Air fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken thighs
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- Spray oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, salt, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Rub the bbq sauce all over the chicken thighs.
- Spray the basket of the air fryer with oil and then place the chicken thighs in the basket.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then coat in bbq sauce.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, on a 390-degree Fahrenheit or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with a side of rice or potatoes and enjoy!
Nutrition
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