Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

5 from 1 vote

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Air fryer BBQ chicken is the perfect way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken in less time than traditional grilling. Whether you’re using chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks, the air fryer cooks them perfectly, with a crispy outside and tender inside. 

Like our other easy air fryer recipes, this barbeque chicken is quick and simple and guarantees delicious results every time. As a bonus, you can make this air fryer dinner for just over $3.00 per serving!

Try it today and experience how easy it is to make BBQ chicken right in your air fryer!

About This Recipe

I was raised to love good chicken recipes. Literally. Back on the farm, we raised our own chickens, and every Sunday after church, my mom made a chicken dinner of some sort.

We’ve shared with you many of my favorite chicken recipes, like our skillet chicken pot pie, chicken cordon blew casserole, and slow cooker creamy chicken.  

A plate of BBQ chicken with a bowl of green beans.

This air fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe delivers everything you love about barbecue chicken without the need for a grill. We love grilled recipes, like our Cornell chicken barbecue, but sometimes you just don’t have time for that. 

This moist chicken dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving BBQ but don’t want to fire up the grill. From tender chicken breasts to juicy drumsticks, this method works with all cuts of chicken.  

With just 10 minutes of prep time and cooking time of only 20 minutes, it’s one of our favorite 30-minute meals! Plus, the air fryer gives you that crispy, caramelized BBQ finish in a fraction of the time. 

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

This easy weeknight meal uses simple ingredients. 

Some chicken breasts and other ingredients for air fryer BBQ chicken.
  • Chicken breasts: These make for a hearty, lean protein that pairs perfectly with the BBQ flavors. We use a boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. Do yourself a favor and splurge for organic meat. You’ll get more bang for your buck and a better-tasting dinner as well! I’m a big fan of the organic chicken available from Aldi.
  • BBQ sauce: Adds the sweet and smoky flavor that makes this dish irresistible. Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or the barbeque sauce of your choice.
  • Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and allows the chicken to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Enhances the flavor and gives you a slightly tangy sauce.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth that enhances the sauce.
  • Onion powder: Provides a hint of sweetness and depth to the chicken.
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky flavor without needing a grill, giving the chicken a rich BBQ taste.

Recipe Cost

Here’s the approximate cost breakdown for this air fryer BBQ chicken recipe based on common U.S. prices:

IngredientQuantityEstimated Cost
Chicken Breasts2 (about 1 lb)$4.50
Barbecue Sauce1 cup$1.00
Olive Oil2 tablespoons$0.20
Apple Cider Vinegar1 tablespoon$0.05
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon$0.10
Onion Powder1 teaspoon$0.10
Smoked Paprika1/2 teaspoon$0.10
Salt1 teaspoon$0.01
Black Pepper1/4 teaspoon$0.01

Total Estimated Cost: $6.07
Cost Per Serving: Approximately $3.04 (assuming the recipe yields 2 servings)

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by location and brand. Costs are based on Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED.)

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

(See the recipe card below for the full set of ingredients and step-by-step instructions.)

Prepare the marinade

  1. In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Use a whisk to whisk it all together.

Marinate the chicken

Pouring BBQ sauce over a chicken breast.
  1. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish.
  2.  Coat them with the marinade.
Some meat covered in BBQ sauce.
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or let them marinate overnight for more intense flavor.

Preheat Your Air Fryer!

Just like a conventional oven, an air fryer should always be preheated. So many people I talk with tell me they don’t do this, but I can’t stress enough how important this step is when making food in an air fryer.

For this air fryer BBQ chicken, you’re going to want to preheat the air fryer to 375° F.

Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

  1. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between them, making sure they’re not touching each other.
  2. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush on extra BBQ sauce to get a glossy, caramelized finish.

Recipe Tip

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to settle.

A plate of BBQ chicken with green beans.

Substitutions and Variations

There are many possible variations you can make with this air fryer BBQ chicken recipe. Here are some that we’ve tried and have really enjoyed!

  • Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs: For even juicier BBQ chicken, swap out the chicken breasts for air fryer BBQ chicken thighs. They cook similarly in the air fryer and deliver fantastic flavor.
  • Chicken Legs or Drumsticks: If you prefer something more traditional, air fryer BBQ chicken legs or drumsticks are a great option and cook up beautifully.
  • Chicken tenders: For a quicker cook time or if you prefer smaller portions, air fryer BBQ chicken tenders are a great choice.
  • Wings: For a party or game night, air fryer BBQ chicken wings are always a hit.
  • Dry Rub: Use your favorite dry rub instead of the marinade.
  • Sweeten the Sauce: Add some brown sugar, pure maple syrup, or some organic honey to the marinade.

My Top Recipe Tips

  1. Pat the chicken dry before cooking: Use some paper towels to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This will help give you a delicious, crispy chicken dinner!
  2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure the sides of the chicken don’t touch. This will ensure they cook evenly with a crispy finish.
  3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, check that the internal temperature hits 165°F.  Be sure to insert it into the thickest part of the chicken.  I like to use this instant-read thermometer. It’s fast, accurate, and has a fantastic money-back guarantee. 
  4. Extra BBQ sauce: Brushing additional BBQ sauce on the chicken in the last few minutes gives it a sticky, glazed finish.

Recipe Questions and Answers

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking and proper marination.

What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to marinate the chicken well and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

What to Serve with This

These BBQ chicken breasts are a great main dish to make for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time and want to make an easy recipe for the whole family. Plus, you can serve it with almost anything. 

A plate of sliced BBQ chicken.

Air fryer BBQ chicken goes great with classic side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob. You can also serve it with a fresh salad, roasted spinach, or some crispy air-fried potatoes to round out the meal. Pasta salad is always a shoo-in with this as well!

How to Store, Reheat and Freeze

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

To Freeze: Place the marinated chicken (uncooked) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe is so versatile that you can try different cuts and sides every time! Whether you’re craving air fryer BBQ chicken thighs, drumsticks, tenders, or wings, this method makes it easy to get the delicious BBQ flavor you love without the hassle.

Give this air fryer chicken recipe a try today!

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

5 from 1 vote
This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, flavorful BBQ glaze in just 30 minutes. Perfect for air fryer BBQ chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or tenders, it's a quick and easy way to enjoy BBQ without a grill.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 2
By: Dan from Platter Talk

Ingredients 

  • 2 chicken breasts, Boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup barbeque sauce, Plus, more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  • Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
  • Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts over. Con2nue to air fry for another 10 minutes, or un2l the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Optional: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with additional BBQ sauce for a more glazed appearance.
  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to maximize flavor.
  2. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crispiness on both sides.
  3. Use extra BBQ sauce in the final minutes of cooking to create a sticky, glazed finish.
Discard the marinade; do not eat it, as it has been in contact with raw chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 639kcal, Carbohydrates: 61g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 2900mg, Potassium: 1216mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 48g, Vitamin A: 636IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 2mg

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

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @plattertalk or tag #plattertalk!

Easy Air Fryer Recipes


Meet the Platter Talk Guys

Dan & Scott split their time between Wisconsin and Southwest Florida and are dads to six boys. Good food runs through their veins, and they love showing others how to cook easy recipes.

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