Description
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.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
If using bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes.
You can skip the oil for an oil-free version, but it helps the seasoning adhere and adds crispiness.
For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to use any BBQ sauce of your choice, from sweet to smoky or tangy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
