Print

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.2 from 79 reviews

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky and spicy rub, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper, then finished with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze for a deliciously satisfying dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

Additional

  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up completely before cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Trim off any excess fat from the chicken thighs to reduce greasiness and ensure a leaner dish.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs for full flavor penetration.
  4. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
  5. Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and cook for an additional 7 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides.
  6. Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush half of the BBQ sauce onto one side of the chicken thighs, then flip and brush the remaining sauce on the other side to fully coat the chicken with the tangy glaze.
  7. Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is safe and perfectly cooked.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken thighs are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
  • Use boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking and easier handling.
  • Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
  • Feel free to swap BBQ sauce for your preferred flavor or homemade variety.

Keywords: air fryer chicken thighs, BBQ chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, boneless chicken thighs, spicy chicken, grilled chicken alternative

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/