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Delicious BBQ chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer

BBQ Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Delicious BBQ chicken thighs made in an air fryer, offering a crispy texture and savory taste that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Ensure the thighs are of uniform size for even cooking.
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Use your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Drizzle over the chicken for flavor and moisture.

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  • Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture onto the chicken thighs evenly.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned chicken, coating each piece lightly.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cooking

  • Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket skin side up in a single layer.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • After 25 minutes, brush BBQ sauce generously over the chicken thighs.
  • Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the sauce is caramelized.

Serving

  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

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Notes

For best results, ensure the air fryer is preheated. Experiment with different sauces and spices for variety. Allowing the chicken to rest helps redistribute juices for a more flavorful bite.
Keyword Air Fryer Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Quick Dinner, Southern BBQ