Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs: Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

Air fryer BBQ chicken thighs is one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I need a quick, delicious dinner. This easy air fryer recipe offers a great way to enjoy flavorful, juicy chicken without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, these chicken thighs are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

The air fryer cuts down the cooking time while ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked and coated with a mouthwatering BBQ glaze. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious BBQ chicken every time.

What You Need to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs

Before we discuss the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients for BBQ chicken thighs and the equipment you’ll need. The essentials include chicken thighs, your favorite BBQ sauce, and, of course, the air fryer. You can also add various spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 pieces of chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Seasonings:

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish

Equipment:

1. Air fryer
2. Mixing bowls
3. Basting brush
4. Tongs

Whether you prefer bone-in chicken thighs for their juicy texture or boneless chicken thighs for easier eating, this recipe is versatile and works well with either option. The choice of BBQ sauce also allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, making it a truly customizable and delightful meal.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Follow these air fryer cooking instructions for a tasty and easy meal:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.

2. Prepare the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better.

3. Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.

4. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if using bone-in thighs. Cook for 12 minutes.

5. Flip the chicken thighs: After 12 minutes, use tongs to flip the chicken thighs. This ensures they cook evenly.

6. Apply BBQ sauce: Brush the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce on both sides. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken juicier.

8. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.

Note: Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken thighs and the model of your air fryer. Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Here are my expert tips to ensure your BBQ chicken thighs turn out perfectly every time:

• Uniform Size: Make sure the chicken thighs are similar in size. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the thighs in a single layer with space between them for air circulation.
• Flipping Chicken Thighs: Remember to flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time. This helps achieve a uniform crispy texture on all sides.
• Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and moist.
• Reheating Leftovers: To reheat leftovers, set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Following these tips will help you achieve the best BBQ chicken thighs every time you cook them in the air fryer.

What to Serve with Air Fried BBQ Chicken Thighs

Choosing the right side dishes for BBQ chicken can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some of my favorite BBQ chicken meal ideas:

• Coleslaw: A classic pairing. The crisp and tangy flavors of coleslaw balance the rich BBQ taste.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a comforting side that complements the smoky BBQ flavors.
• Grilled Vegetables: Try grilled corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smoky taste of the vegetables pairs well with the BBQ chicken.
• Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread is an excellent addition, adding a bit of sweetness to your meal.
• Mac and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy texture of mac and cheese makes it a favorite side dish.
• Baked Beans: The savory and slightly sweet taste of baked beans pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.

These what to serve with BBQ chicken thighs ideas will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal for any occasion.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Last Words

Making BBQ chicken thighs in the air fryer is a quick and straightforward way to enjoy a delicious meal. This easy BBQ chicken recipe ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a flavorful BBQ glaze.

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have dinner ready in no time. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also delivers consistently great results.

Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces and your favorite sides to customize the meal to your taste.

Whether you prefer boneless or bone-in thighs, this recipe is versatile and always tasty. Enjoy these delicious BBQ chicken thighs with coleslaw, potato salad, or any of your favorite side dishes.

Happy cooking!

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken
• Perdue Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties
• Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Filling

For more delicious recipes please check out from here.

Print