Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs: Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat, Effortless Dinner

Prepare to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with these unbelievably easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs! If you’re craving tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp skin, all coated in your favorite tangy or sweet barbeque sauce, then look no further. This recipe delivers a fantastic meal for two (or more, just scale up!) in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy evenings or when you simply want a delicious, fuss-free dinner.

BBQ chicken made in the air fryer on a plate with a side of salad.

While I typically adore the smoky char of a traditional grill, this summer has brought record-breaking heatwaves, making my air fryer an absolute lifesaver. It allows me to create delicious, BBQ-flavored meals without stepping foot outside, keeping me cool and comfortable indoors with the air conditioning. These BBQ chicken thighs are perfectly cooked in the air fryer – every time! You’ll be amazed at how succulent and flavorful they turn out.

Why Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Are a Game Changer

Chicken thighs are naturally flavorful and forgiving, making them ideal for the air fryer. The circulating hot air crisps the skin beautifully while locking in moisture, resulting in chicken that’s tender on the inside and satisfyingly crispy on the outside. Plus, air frying requires minimal oil, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying or even traditional grilling without sacrificing taste. It’s truly the best way to achieve that perfect BBQ chicken texture, fast!

Choosing Your Perfect BBQ Sauce

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility with your choice of barbeque sauce. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy profile, your favorite sauce will shine. You can absolutely use your own homemade BBQ sauce if you have a go-to recipe. However, if ease is your priority – and it often is for me – a quality store-bought brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s works wonderfully. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different brands and flavors to find what suits your taste buds best!

If you’re as big a fan of air fryer chicken recipes as I am, you might also want to explore some other fantastic options. Discover another delightful bbq chicken recipe, learn how to make perfect air fryer chicken legs, or master the art of air fryer chicken breast. These recipes are designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Looking for even more inspiration? Dive into our comprehensive article featuring the top 50 air fryer chicken recipes. You’re sure to find a new favorite for every occasion. This particular BBQ chicken thighs recipe is also one of our top picks for 4th of July celebrations, offering that classic picnic flavor without the outdoor grilling hassle.

If you’re eager to get cooking right away, feel free to skip ahead to the bottom of this post. There, you’ll find the complete, printable recipe card, packed with all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks you need to make these mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs.

Close up of BBQ chicken thighs made in the air fryer, served on a plate with a side salad.

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs:

This recipe uses a simple yet effective blend of spices to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken, perfectly complementing the rich BBQ sauce. You’ll need:

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (the bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin gets incredibly crispy!)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (a savory staple)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt, for balanced seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for a touch of warmth and spice)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a beautiful color and mild, sweet pepper flavor)
  • 4 Tablespoons barbeque sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade, plus more for serving and dipping!)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting perfectly cooked BBQ chicken thighs in your air fryer is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps:

  1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380 degrees F (193°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy skin right from the start and ensuring even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and paprika. Whisk them together thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving extra crispy skin. Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with the dry rub spices, ensuring an even coating.
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in your air fryer basket, skin-side down first. It’s essential to leave some space in between each thigh for proper air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in batches.
  5. Initial Air Fry: Air fry the chicken thighs for an initial 10 minutes. This helps render the fat and start the crisping process.
  6. Flip and Continue Cooking: Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Continue cooking for another 6 minutes.
  7. Baste with BBQ Sauce: After 6 minutes, open your air fryer and, using a basting brush, apply approximately 1 tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce evenly over the skin of each chicken thigh. Continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (without touching the bone) registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74°C).
  8. Achieve Extra Crispy Skin (Optional): If you prefer an even crispier skin, you can cook the chicken for an additional minute or two after the internal temperature is reached, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  9. Serve Immediately: Once cooked to perfection, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Brush with additional barbeque sauce if desired for extra flavor and serve hot!

NOTE: This recipe was developed and tested using a basket-style 5.8qt Cosori Air Fryer, which is our preferred brand. Air fryer models can vary significantly in cooking times and temperatures. If you’re using a different brand or model, we recommend monitoring your chicken frequently during cooking and adjusting the cooking time as needed to match your specific air fryer’s performance. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.

BBQ chicken thighs being brushed with additional BBQ sauce on a plate with a side salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs:

  • Don’t Overcrowd: For optimal crispiness and even cooking, always arrange chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, keeping finished batches warm in a 200-degree F (93°C) oven.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74°C) before serving. An instant-read meat thermometer is invaluable for food safety and perfect results.
  • For Easier Cleanup: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers, or use a non-stick cooking spray before placing the chicken. This will make post-meal cleanup a breeze.
  • Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Don’t skip patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that wonderfully crispy skin.
  • Marinate for Deeper Flavor: For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in some of your BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

What additional seasonings can I use to change the flavor in this recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of cooking is customization. To add more depth, consider incorporating a pinch of onion powder to the dry rub. For a little heat, cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the BBQ sauce would be fantastic. If you prefer a sweeter profile, a teaspoon of brown sugar added to the spice blend can work wonders. Smoked paprika can also add another layer of smoky flavor without needing a grill!

What different cuts of chicken can I use for this recipe?

This recipe is highly versatile! While bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for their juiciness and crispy skin, you can certainly use other cuts. Boneless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or even boneless chicken breasts can be used. Just be aware that cooking times will vary. Boneless cuts will cook faster, so reduce the air frying time and always rely on your meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover BBQ chicken thighs make for a delicious next-day meal! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer basket at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 2-4 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. You might want to brush them with a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating to refresh the flavors.

Can I make these from frozen chicken thighs?

It’s best to thaw chicken thighs completely before seasoning and air frying for the most even cooking and crispy results. If you air fry from frozen, the outside may cook too quickly while the inside remains cold, and the skin won’t get as crispy. If you must use frozen, extend the initial cooking time significantly, but be prepared for a less ideal texture.

What are the best side dishes to serve with Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs?

These BBQ chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider classic BBQ accompaniments like creamy air fryer baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or even some homemade mac and cheese. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would be excellent choices.

These air fryer BBQ chicken thighs have quickly become one of my all-time favorite easy dinners! I absolutely love this recipe because it allows me to enjoy that incredible BBQ flavor and crispy chicken without having to endure the sweltering summer heat by the grill. It’s truly a win-win situation!

A bit of bbq chicken thigh on a fork, ready to eat.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Love:

Once you see how easy and delicious air frying can be, you’ll want to try it for everything! Here are a few more of our reader-favorite air fryer recipes:

  • Perfect Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets
  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • How to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Air Fryer
  • Fluffy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Delicious Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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BBQ chicken thighs made in the air fryer on a plate with a fork and a salad.

4.50 from 4 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

By Jen
Easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy and seasoned with simple spices and basted in your favorite barbeque sauce. This makes a super easy dinner for two, ready in less than half an hour!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 Tablespoons BBQ sauce
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Instructions 

  • Preheat Air Fryer to 380 degrees f.
  • Whisk together the garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, and paprika in a small bowl.
  • Season the chicken thighs on both sides with the dry rub spices.
  • Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer skin side down on the air fryer basket. Leave space in between for air circulation.
  • Air fry the chicken thighs for 10 minutes of cooking time.
  • Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for 6 more minutes.
  • After 6 minutes, place 1 tablespoon of bbq sauce on each chicken thigh and brush with a basting brush to coat. Cook for 4 more minutes or until an instant-read meat thermometer internal temperature reaches 165 degrees at the thickest part of the meat.
  • For crispy skin, cook for an additional minute, or until you’ve reached your preferred crispness.
  • Brush with additional barbeque sauce if desired and serve immediately!

Notes

This recipe was made in a basket style 5.8qt Cosori Air Fryer. All air fryers are different but this is our favorite brand and the one we use the most. If you’re using a different brand of air fryer, you may need to check the recipe frequently while cooking in case you need to adjust the cooking time to your air fryer.

These chicken thighs can be cooked in batches and kept warm in a 200-degree oven if cooking for a larger crowd.

Use parchment paper or non stick cooking spray for easier cleanup.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer basket at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with homemade or your favorite bbq sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 111mg, Sodium: 558mg, Potassium: 283mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 167IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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