Air fryers have changed the way we approach cooking, making it easier to prepare delicious meals quickly and healthily. One such meal that shines in the air fryer is BBQ chicken. With its mouthwatering flavor, crispy skin, and tender meat, this dish can be on your table in just 20 minutes. Let’s dive into why this air fryer BBQ chicken is a favorite, so you can start enjoying this phenomenal recipe tonight.
Why We Love This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
Air fryers simplify the cooking process while enhancing flavors, and this air fryer BBQ chicken recipe captures all the juicy goodness you crave without the long cooking times traditionally associated with grilling or roasting. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to create a crispy outer layer, giving you that delightful crunch that everyone loves. This recipe appeals to busy individuals and families, as it cooks quickly without compromising taste or quality. You can add your favorite barbecue sauce or experiment with different marinades to customize the dish. Best of all, it allows for versatile serving options, making it perfect for dinner, parties, or casual gatherings. Plus, using the air fryer means less clean-up time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones.
Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
- 2 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
- While the air fryer is heating, prepare the chicken. In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the chicken until all pieces are coated thoroughly with the seasoning.
- Grease the air fryer basket lightly with non-stick spray to help prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10 minutes.
- Pause the air fryer and brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, then resume cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps keep the juices inside.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
Serving air fryer BBQ chicken is a delight because of its versatility. You can place the crispy chicken pieces on a large serving platter, drizzling extra barbecue sauce over the top for an appealing, glossy finish. Accompany the chicken with coleslaw or a crisp salad to add freshness to your meal. You can also serve it with classic sides like corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or baked beans for a hearty feast. For a fun twist, shred the cooked chicken and use it in sliders or wraps, topped with additional barbecue sauce and pickles. This dish is also great for meal prep; simply portion it out and pack it with your favorite sides for a quick lunch. If hosting, consider garnishing with fresh herbs for a pop of color. The choices are endless, making this dish a favorite for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
To ensure your air fryer BBQ chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep a few expert tips in mind. First, always preheat your air fryer; this helps create that crispy texture everyone loves. Experiment with different cuts of chicken, as drumsticks and thighs generally stay moist and flavorful. Ensure you pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to promote better browning. If you enjoy a sticky glaze, apply barbecue sauce in stages: brush it on halfway through cooking for a nice caramelization, then again just before serving. Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can prevent even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches. For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in your barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Finally, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Store Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
To store air fryer BBQ chicken, let it cool down to room temperature first. Once cooled, place the chicken pieces in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. If you wish to keep it for longer, consider freezing. Wrap the individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method preserves the flavor and prevents freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy the chicken, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through or defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat to your liking.
Variations of Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
There is no end to the creative variations you can try with air fryer BBQ chicken. One popular option is to switch up the barbecue sauce; experiment with honey mustard, spicy sriracha, or a homemade sauce to add a unique flair. You can also marinate the chicken in different combinations, such as adding soy sauce, honey, or citrus for a sweet and savory twist. If you want extra crunch, you can coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before air frying for a crispy texture. Create a spicy rendition by adding cayenne pepper to your spice mix or tossing the cooked chicken with a hot sauce glaze afterward. For a lighter option, consider using skinless chicken breasts and coat them in a zesty herb blend instead of barbecue sauce. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
FAQ about Air Fryer BBQ Chicken – 20 Minutes
If you’re new to cooking with air fryers, you might have some questions about making air fryer BBQ chicken. One common question is, "How long does it take to cook air fryer BBQ chicken?" Typically, you can have it ready in just 20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. You may also wonder if you need to flip the chicken halfway through. While it isn’t necessary, flipping can help achieve even crispiness. Another frequently asked question is whether to use boneless or bone-in chicken. Both work well; however, bone-in pieces often yield juicier results. If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, what can you use instead? Plenty of alternatives exist. Try marinades like teriyaki sauce or even a simple mixture of olive oil and herbs. Lastly, folks often ask how to know when the chicken is done. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method; just be sure it registers 165°F (75°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
Embrace the ease and flavors of cooking with your air fryer, and don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your style. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) Choose your favorite parts of the chicken.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce Use your preferred barbecue sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until all pieces are coated thoroughly.
Cooking
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10 minutes.
- Pause the air fryer and brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, then resume cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!