Name: Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

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Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs are a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, all without the mess of grilling. The air fryer gives the chicken a perfect crisp while keeping it moist on the inside, and the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce adds just the right amount of flavor. This recipe is easy to make, ideal for a weeknight dinner, or even for meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, delivering a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. The BBQ sauce adds a rich, smoky sweetness that complements the chicken’s natural flavors. Plus, this recipe is quick, simple, and requires minimal prep, making it a great go-to for busy nights. Whether you’re serving them with sides or in a sandwich, these BBQ chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add the BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, then return them to the air fryer to allow the sauce to caramelize and form a delicious glaze.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and caramelized, remove from the air fryer. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce for a little heat.
Honey BBQ: Mix honey with BBQ sauce for a sweeter version of the sauce.
Herb Seasoning: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the seasoning mix for a more aromatic flavor.
Grilled Version: If you prefer a smoky grilled taste, use a smoky BBQ sauce or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the seasoning mix.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the crispy texture, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes if you’re in a hurry. You can also reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can season the chicken with a dry rub instead of using BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. Use spices like paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar to mimic the BBQ flavor.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken breasts may cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I make this recipe without oil?

Yes, you can skip the oil, but using a little oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and gives it a crispy exterior. If you’re looking to make it oil-free, just make sure to season the chicken well and cook it directly in the air fryer basket.

6. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken extra crispy, you can spray a light coating of cooking spray on the chicken before air frying or increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

7. Can I use other types of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. You can even experiment with different flavors like mustard-based BBQ sauce or vinegar-based sauces.

8. How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs usually take about 15-18 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the air fryer model.

9. Can I double the recipe in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook more chicken thighs in batches, but don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Make sure the chicken pieces have space around them for the air to circulate.

10. Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in your favorite marinade or BBQ sauce for added flavor. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs are an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of grilling. The air fryer creates the perfect crispy texture while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Whether you’re serving them in tacos, sandwiches, or with your favorite sides, these chicken thighs will be a hit with family and friends. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.