This air fryer bbq chicken thighs recipe is a great meal the whole family will love. Use a store bought bbq sauce or my quick and simple ketchup version! This recipe cooks in less than 30 minutes making it perfect on a busy weeknight.
No BBQ sauce? Try my homemade version made with ketchup!
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Why you'll love it
Versatile - One of the best things about air fryer BBQ chicken thighs is that they're incredibly versatile. You can season them with just about any spice blend, but we love using our Louisiana Rub recipe or our Authentic Fajita Seasoning recipe.
Good for You - Compared to traditional fried chicken, this recipe is a healthier option. They're cooked with little to no oil, which means they're lower in calories and fat. Use a low sugar bbq sauce for a low carb option.
Tasty and Juicy - Despite being lower in fat, it's still incredibly tasty and juicy. The high heat of the air fryer locks in moisture, resulting in chicken that's tender and flavorful. Plus, the BBQ seasoning adds a smokiness that's hard to resist.
Flavorful - This is one of our favorite ways to make chicken. The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates a taste that's both tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of heat. Plus, the smokiness from the air fryer gives the chicken an added depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts, exact cooking times, and printable recipe card.
- Paprika - you can use regular or smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper - optional if you want a touch of spicy
- Chicken thighs - we used bone-in, skin on chicken pieces. I had a package with 4 pieces and it weighed about 2 pounds. Boneless thighs can be used, but you will cook them in less time.
- Bbq sauce - use a homemade version or your favorite bbq sauce from the grocery store.
- Cooking spray
- Oil - olive oil or another mild oil like canola. This is optional.
Equipment
Instructions
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F for three minutes.
STEP TWO: In a small bowl, combine the spices together.
STEP THREE: Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs. Kitchen shears work great to trim the skin. Place the thighs in a large bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken pieces with the spice mixture evenly. Press spices into the meat. You can rub a couple teaspoons of oil on the chicken before adding the spices, if desired.
STEP FOUR: Spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken thighs in the basket evenly spaced apart. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, turning chicken thighs over at the halfway point.
STEP FIVE: For best results, remove the chicken from the air fryer to evenly coat each piece with bbq sauce. You can leave them in the basket if you want, though. Then return them to the air fryer and air fry for two or three minutes more.
Kitchen Tips
When cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. You should also make sure the chicken thighs are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Use an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
Spices are essential for adding flavor to your air fryer BBQ chicken thighs. A simple spice mix can be made using paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. For a sweeter flavor, add some brown sugar to the mix. You can also use a pre-made dry rub or seasoning blend. I have several homemade versions (see below).
A homemade BBQ sauce (like my version) can be made using ingredients such as ketchup, balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices. You can also use a store-bought barbecue sauce. When adding the sauce to the chicken thighs, brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
While this recipe specifically calls for chicken thighs, you can use different cuts of chicken, such as wings or drumsticks. If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead. Just keep in mind that different cuts may have a shorter or longer cook time.
How to Store and Reheat
It's important to know how to store your leftover chicken and reheat them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious.
To store your chicken thighs, make sure they are completely cooled down first. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating your chicken thighs, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay moist and flavorful:
- Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Heat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, or until it's heated through.
- If you prefer a crispy skin, place the chicken in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F.
It's important to note that reheated chicken may not be as juicy as freshly cooked chicken, but these tips will help you get the most out of your leftovers.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your air fryer BBQ chicken thighs for days to come!
FAQ
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in the air fryer and will result in tender and flavorful BBQ chicken. Adjust the cooking time slightly as boneless thighs tend to cook faster than bone-in thighs.
Marinating the chicken thighs is optional. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall taste. If time permits, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour or overnight in your favorite BBQ marinade or rub
While it is possible to cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer, it is recommended to thaw them before cooking for the best results. Thawing allows for more even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Try my other seasoning blends
How to serve
- Popeyes Copycat Mashed Potatoes
- Panera Broccoli Mac and Cheese Copycat
- Air Fryer Steak Fries
- Corn on the cob made in the air fryer
More air fryer chicken recipes
- Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika smoked or regular
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, about 4 thighs bone-in, skin on
- 1 cup bbq sauce your favorite
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees F for three minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the spices together.
- Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs. Kitchen shears work great to trim the skin. Place the thighs in a large bowl. Coat both sides of the chicken pieces with the spice mixture evenly. Press spices into the meat. You can rub a couple teaspoons of oil on the chicken before adding the spices, if desired.
- Spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken thighs in the basket evenly spaced apart. Cook for about 18-20 minutes, turning chicken thighs over at the halfway point.
- For best results, remove the chicken from the air fryer to evenly coat each piece with bbq sauce. Then return them to the air fryer and air fry for two or three minutes more.
Notes
- When cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. You should also make sure the chicken thighs are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.
- Use an instant read thermometer or meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
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