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BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer is the easiest way to satisfy your BBQ craving! This recipe makes the juiciest chicken, dripping with finger licking BBQ sauce.
This BBQ chicken is a great way to get classic barbecue taste without using a grill or smoker. The chicken is just the right amount of crispy, while the inside is juicy and full of flavor!
Chicken is so versatile too. Seasonings and sauce combinations can be switched up to make new flavor varieties every time you make this recipe. I like to use a honey barbecue sauce, and then add a spicy seasoning to combine flavors.
It doesn’t take a lot of time to make BBQ chicken in the air fryer, making it a super easy weeknight dinner. Without a lot of prep work, you can have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes!
When we made Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings, they turned out so yummy so we used the same dry rub for these drumsticks. For more simple dinner air fryer recipes, try this air fryer chicken breast recipe, air fryer chicken cutlets, or this air fryer chicken parmesan.
We’ve also put together our top 50 air fryer chicken recipes and our favorite air fryer 4th of July recipes, all in one place for you to try!
Ingredients needed to Make BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer
- Chicken- I used medium drumsticks so I could fit 4-6 in the basket.
- Brown sugar- gives a sweet, caramelization to the outside of the chicken.
- Garlic powder-adds the garlic flavor without changing the texture.
- BBQ Sauce- use your favorite barbecue sauce and flavor. I made these with Kraft Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce and they were delicious!
- Olive oil- brush or use olive oil spray to coat the basket to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper liners. Either one will help make clean up a breeze.
How to Make Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
STEP 1. To prepare the basket or air fryer trays, brush about ½ tablespoon olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
STEP 2. Place the chicken, in a single layer, in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping any pieces of chicken.
STEP 3. To prepare the chicken dry rub, use a small bowl and blend together the brown sugar and teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice mix over each piece of chicken on both sides. Pat it down until the chicken is well covered.
STEP 4. Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes cooking time. Flip the chicken over halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
STEP 5. Once done cooking, remove chicken pieces from air fryer basket or air fryer trays, and then brush chicken with barbecue sauce on both sides of each piece. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Watch Timing: I use a Cosori air fryer to make these BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. 20 minutes was perfect timing 4-6 pieces of chicken. Cook times may vary depending on size, wattage, and thickness of your chicken. You may need to give chicken extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- Confirm Doneness: The safest way to confirm doneness when cooking meat is to use a digital meat thermometer like this one. The thickest part of the chicken should have internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add Seasonings: For extra flavor, you can add cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or just salt and black pepper.
Variations
- BBQ Sauce Variations: Try different flavors of BBQ sauce such as honey BBQ, hickory and brown sugar, spicy, or a sweet and spicy sauce.
- Brown Sugar Substitutions: Use maple syrup or honey to sweeten the sauce.
FAQS
What type of BBQ Sauce to Use?
For this tasty dish, you can use your favorite sauce and flavor you like. We think Sweet Baby Ray’s is the best barbecue sauce. Flavors like Hickory Smoke, and Honey sauces can really add to the flavor too. It’s really up to you!
Do I have to use Chicken Drumsticks for this recipe?
I use family favorite chicken drumsticks because it’s a simple meal for a weeknight dinner or picnics. This recipe is delicious to make BBQ chicken breasts, chicken wings or chicken thighs. Cooking times may vary if using thicker pieces of chicken.
Can I remove the skin from the chicken first?
Skinless breast and drumsticks are other ways to make a yummy chicken dinner if you prefer skinless.
How do I store leftover Chicken?
For storage, and to keep this chicken moist, store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you aren’t going to eat them right away, seal and place in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. After reheating, brush the chicken with BBQ Sauce before serving.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
I find that by turning the chicken halfway through the cooking process, the chicken cooks more evenly.
What can I serve with BBQ Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with so many things. Salad, air fryer potatoes, pasta salad, or air fryer corn on the cob, are all great side dishes.
MORE AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES:
Dinner
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Dinner
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Breakfast
Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken
BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces chicken, drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or non-stick spray
- 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- To prepare the basket or air fryer trays, brush about 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken, in a single layer, in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking or overlapping any pieces of chicken.
- To prepare the chicken dry rub, use a small bowl and blend together the brown sugar and teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle the spice mix over each piece of chicken on both sides. Pat it down until the chicken is well covered.
- Air fry the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes cooking time. Flip the chicken over halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Once done cooking, remove chicken pieces from air fryer basket or air fryer trays, and then brush chicken with barbecue sauce on both sides of each piece. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Only thing I wld say is, put the spice rub on the chicken first. Saves extra mess in the Air Fryer…
That’s a great idea! Thank you for sharing. 🙂