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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!
I love all things BBQ. I typically love to grill, but this Summer we have hit record heat temps and I am using my air fryer so I can stay inside with the air conditioner.
These chicken thighs are delicious in the air fryer. You can use your own homemade BBQ sauce, or you can use your favorite store brand. I’m all about making things easy, so I love to use Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce.
If you love air fryer chicken recipes, you might also love this other bbq chicken recipe, air fryer chicken legs, or air fryer chicken breast.
Looking for more? Check out this article where we share our favorite top 50 air fryer chicken recipes.
This dish is also one of our favorite 4th of July recipes to make.
If you’re in a hurry, skip this post and head to the bottom where you can print or save the full recipe card with tips and tricks.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- garlic powder
- sea salt (or kosher salt)
- freshly ground black pepper
- paprika
- barbeque sauce (store-bought or homemade) plus more for serving.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
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!
NOTE: 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.
TIP:
- These chicken thighs can be cooked in batches and kept warm in a 200-degree oven if cooking for a larger crowd.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees F before serving.
- Use parchment paper or non stick cooking spray for easier cleanup.
FAQs
What additional seasonings can I use to change the flavor in this recipe?
Consider adding ingredients such as onion powder for more flavor, cayenne pepper for more spice, and brown sugar for more sweetness.
What different cuts of chicken can I use for this recipe?
You can use boneless chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or even a different cut of chicken such as boneless chicken breasts for this chicken recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
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.
These bbq air fryer chicken thighs are some of my favorites! I love this recipe and the best part is that I can stay inside with the air conditioner. No need to go sweat it out in the summer heat.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
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
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I cook the thighs from frozen?
Absolutely! You will need to add some additional cook time to have them cook all the way through. I cook from frozen often. I’ll use the same temp, wait a few minutes, then use a wooden spoon to break them up if needed, and then cook for the full cook time. I typically add about 4-5 minutes, depending on how many. ๐
I followed the recipe as printed, have the same air fryer, and the thighs were excellent!
I like/prefer fall-off-the-bone chicken, and find that every published recipe doesnโt work for me and needs modification. 40 to 45 minutes at 350 for boneless/skinless, and 60 minutes for bone-in.
So true, and the biggest thing is that all air fryers cook a little differently. We always say to use a recipe for an air fryer as a guide, because what works for one may not work as well for another.
These are amazing, perfect for busy weeknights!!!! Love these types of easy recipes and your site! Thank you!
Thank you! So glad you liked it! It is one of my favorites.