BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts using your air fryer. With a simple spice rub and a sweet BBQ sauce finish, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and rub it all over to coat well.
- Step 2: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister. Avoid aerosol sprays like Pam, as they can damage the air fryer basket.
- Step 3: Arrange the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer without overlapping.
- Step 4: Cook at 380°F for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking times may vary depending on chicken size.
- Step 5: Brush BBQ sauce over the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm the sauce.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken and let it rest for 4 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Swap BBQ sauce with your favorite hot sauce or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice rub.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Bone-in breasts will require a longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
What is the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?
Applying olive oil and using a spice rub helps retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking by checking the chicken’s internal temperature regularly.
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BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy BBQ Chicken in the air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken breasts topped with your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this recipe delivers tender chicken with a smoky-sweet glaze in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts and rub it all over to coat them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the air fryer basket.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the air fryer basket side by side without overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the chicken for 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on chicken breast size.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush the cooked chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and cook them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes in the air fryer to warm the sauce and enhance flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 4 to 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Do not overlap chicken breasts in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- You can swap the BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade variety for different flavors.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken, air fryer chicken, quick chicken recipe, boneless chicken breasts, easy dinner, BBQ sauce chicken
