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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Lina

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Crispy, smoky BBQ chicken thighs made in an air fryer for tender meat and caramelized flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPES
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4-6
  • Pat dry for crispier skin
  • BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup
  • Your favorite brand or homemade
  • Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon
  • For aromatic flavor
  • Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon
  • Adds color and mild spice
  • Onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon
  • Enhances savory notes
  • Salt
  • ½ teaspoon
  • To taste
  • Black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon
  • Freshly ground preferred
  • Olive oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon
  • For extra crispiness

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
  3. In bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper
  4. If using oil, brush thighs lightly
  5. Season both sides of chicken with spice mix
  6. Place in preheated air fryer
  7. Cook 20 minutes, flipping halfway
  8. Brush both sides with BBQ sauce
  9. Cook 2 additional minutes per side until sauce is caramelized

Notes

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
Add 1 minute per side if sauce isn't fully set
Check internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)
Adjust BBQ sauce quantity to preference