Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Here’s a super easy and flavorful recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs — juicy inside, crispy outside, and coated in smoky-sweet BBQ sauce.

🍗 Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the chicken:
   Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Air fry (initial cook):
   Place chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down if using bone-in. Cook for 10 minutes.

4. Flip and sauce:
   Flip the chicken and brush the tops with BBQ sauce. Cook for 8 more minutes.

5. Final glaze:
   Brush with more BBQ sauce and cook another 2–4 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the sauce and get crispy edges.

6. Check for doneness:
   Internal temp should be 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

🔧 Optional Add-Ons:

• Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Try a honey BBQ or chipotle BBQ for a flavor twist.

• Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or air fryer potatoes.