Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is a delicious way to enjoy chicken legs! Enjoy the crispy, juicy taste of BBQ chicken any time of year. Cook delicious, crispy chicken in minutes. No more frying pans or messy oil fryers.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. You can even make it ahead and toss the chicken on the grill for a few minutes to heat them up when you’re ready to serve. I like to make this family favorite the night before so all I have to do is warm them up again in the air fryer or on the grill.

Air fryer BBQ chicken is chicken that has been air fried and then coated in a barbecue sauce. Air frying chicken drumsticks ensures the skin is crisp and the meat is tender. Add the barbecue sauce after cooking for perfect barbecue chicken every time. It is one of our favorite easy dinner ideas.

Ingredients

Bone-In Chicken Legs - Classic bbq chicken is always drumsticks in my mind. We like all kinds of chicken with sweet sticky barbecue sauce but chicken legs are the classic type of chicken used for smoking and BBQs.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper - We decided to keep the seasoning simple on these and just use some salt and pepper to let the flavor of the sauce, added after cooking, shine through.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400, spray the basket and rack with cooking spray.

Step Two: Season the chicken with your favorite seasonings. Add it to the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Step Three: Cook until the internal temperature is 160 on a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken, about 20 minutes. Remove from the air fryer, brush with some bbq sauce, and enjoy!

Variations

Dry Rub - There are many different dry rubs that can be used on bbq chicken. Some of the most popular options include brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Experiment with different combinations of seasoning blends to find the perfect one for your taste preferences.

Barbecue Sauce - There are many different types of bbq sauce that you can use on bbq chicken. Also, this recipe also works well with a number of different sauces. Some of the most popular options include Kansas City-style sauce, Memphis-style sauce, and Texas-style sauce. We encourage you to try our Hot Honey BBQ Sauce! It is sweet, spicy, and delicious!

Common Questions

What is air frying?

Air frying is similar to deep frying but with little or no oil. The natural oil in the food, in this case, the chicken skin, crisps instead.

Can you make BBQ chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can air fry BBQ chicken. That's what this is all about!

First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Then, season your chicken breasts with your favorite BBQ seasoning. Next, place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The time will vary based on the cut of chicken. Boneless tenders cook the fastest. Air fryer bbq chicken breast takes a little longer. Finally, enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken!

Can you air fry bbq chicken wings?

To make air fryer bbq chicken wings, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season your chicken wings with your favorite barbecue sauce. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer, and cook for 20 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can you air fry bbq chicken thighs?

Yes, you can air fry bbq chicken thighs. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F and cook the chicken for 15 minutes.

What should I serve with BBQ chicken?

Air fryer barbecue chicken is a dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some popular side dishes that pair well with BBQ chicken include coleslaw, corn on the cob, Skillet Mac and Cheese, and potato salad. We also love to pair with Cabbage and Carrot Salad or Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers form the air fryer chicken recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat in the air fryer, in a hot skillet, on a sheet pan in the oven, or on the grill. If you reheat in the microwave the skin with be soggy.

I hope you enjoy this air fryer bbq chicken recipe!