This Air Fryer BBQ chicken recipe has quickly become a family favorite. The chicken cooks in 10 minutes and delivers tender, juicy, perfectly delicious chicken, every time.
Ingredients
For the BBQ sauce:
I like making my own BBQ sauce because it only takes a few minutes and uses pantry staples like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and spices. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought bbq sauce instead.
- Tomato ketchup.
- Worcestershire sauce.
- Cider vinegar / Balsamic vinegar.
- Honey. Brown sugar can be substituted.
- Salt and black pepper.
For the air fryer barbecue chicken
- Chicken breasts. I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in in chicken like thighs, chicken drumsticks, etc. can also be used but will require longer cooking time.
- Smoked paprika.
- Garlic powder.
- Onion powder.
- Cayenne pepper.
- Salt and black pepper.
How to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Place the chicken on a chopping board then cover with parchment paper and flatten out with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Combine the seasonings then sprinkle over the chicken, on both sides. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Mix all the BBQ sauce ingredients together in a small bowl then brush liberally over the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes, flipping over half way basting with the remaining sauce. Air fry until caramelized and just cooked through then remove from the air fryer, allow to rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Can I make this ahead?
The chicken can be seasoned the day ahead of cooking and kept covered in the fridge. The bbq sauce can be made and kept in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
What to serve with BBQ chicken
This air fryer chicken recipe makes a delicious easy dinner served with side dishes like salads, corn on the cob or potatoes.
Air fryer recipes
I always use my Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer when developing air fryer recipes. It is by far the most efficient air fryer I’ve used and the basket size is excellent for a family of 4. I am partnered with Instant Pot South Africa.
Air fryer BBQ chicken
Ingredients
For the BBQ sauce
- ¾ cup tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the chicken
- 4 chicken breasts skinless, boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Combine the seasonings for the chicken then dust the chicken on both sides with the spice mixture, making sure the chicken is completely covered.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket then brush with the bbq sauce. Place in the air fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping over half way and basting with the remaining bbq sauce.
- Cook until caramelized and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
What temperature is the air fryer supposed to be at? I was a little confused by 200?/400?. It looks like a great recipe. I can’t wait to try it!!
200C/400F.
Love this. So easy to make. My toddlers enjoyed it so much. Appreciate the easy delicious Air Fryer recipes.
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