If you’ve been on the hunt for that perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and smoky all baked into one quick meal, then you’re going to love this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe. It’s my go-to for nights when I want restaurant-quality BBQ without the fuss. The magic of this recipe lies in how the Ninja Speedi air fryer crisps up the skin while locking in all those flavorful spices and tangy barbecue sauce—making every bite an absolute delight. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, which means delicious comfort food is never out of reach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture. From the crispy chicken skin to that rich, smoky BBQ kick, every component counts.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat underneath the crispiest skin possible.
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil: Helps the seasoning stick and creates that golden, crunchy exterior.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of spicy warmth.
- ½ tsp chili powder: Injects a gentle heat that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand for that finger-licking finish.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Ninja Speedi
First things first, set your Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390°F and let it preheat for about 4 minutes. This preheating step ensures your chicken thighs start cooking immediately at the perfect temperature to get that crisp skin we all crave.
Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning Blend
While the air fryer warms up, combine the onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. This blend is where the magic begins—each spice adds flavor and color that makes your chicken sing.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry skin is the secret to that crispy finish. Then, brush each thigh with grapeseed oil, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning in the air fryer.
Step 4: Season Generously
Coat every side of the chicken thighs evenly with your homemade seasoning blend. Don’t be shy here—make sure each bite is packed with flavor by rubbing the mixture into the skin and meat.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes until the underside is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
Flip the chicken thighs skin side up and air fry for another 9 minutes. This step ensures the skin crisps on both sides and the chicken cooks through evenly.
Step 7: Add BBQ Sauce and Finish Cooking
Brush each thigh generously with your favorite barbecue sauce and pop them back into the air fryer for 2 to 4 minutes. This final touch lets the sauce caramelize beautifully, creating that sticky, smoky glaze you dream about.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the juices redistribute through the meat, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can work wonders.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or crispy air fried potatoes. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette balances the bold flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe over a bed of fluffy rice or even stuffed into warm pita pockets with slaw and pickles for a fun twist. You can also shred leftover thighs for sandwiches or tacos that keep the party going!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious meal without any extra effort the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooked chicken thigh tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for a quick meal emergency.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back that crispy skin and warm, juicy meat. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs cook faster and can be used if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they don’t take as long to cook through.
What if I don’t have grapeseed oil? Can I substitute something else?
Yes, you can swap grapeseed oil for canola or vegetable oil with no problem. The oil helps crisp the skin and holds the seasoning, so any neutral oil that withstands high heat works great.
Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking?
Flipping the chicken ensures even crisping and cooking on both sides, which transforms the texture into something deliciously crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s definitely worth the quick flip.
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Definitely! Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch to the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe. Just be mindful of sugar content to prevent the sauce from burning during the caramelizing step.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 175°F to be safe to eat and optimally juicy with tender meat and perfectly caramelized skin.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a favorite because it marries simplicity, speed, and mouthwatering flavor so beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises crispy skin, juicy meat, and that irresistible BBQ tang in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation!
Print
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a smoky barbecue glaze. Using the Ninja Speedi air fryer, this recipe cooks bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to crispy perfection in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set the Ninja Speedi to 390°F and preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and achieve crispy skin.
- Oil and season: Brush each chicken thigh with grapeseed oil, then evenly coat all sides with the seasoning mixture for a balanced flavor.
- Arrange in the basket: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, leaving space to avoid overcrowding for optimal air circulation.
- First cook: Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes to start cooking the chicken and crisp the skin.
- Flip chicken: Turn the thighs skin side up to ensure even cooking and continued crispiness.
- Second cook: Cook for another 9 minutes at 390°F to finish cooking through.
- Add BBQ sauce: Brush each thigh generously with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Final caramelizing: Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175°F for safe consumption.
- Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve: Serve hot with your preferred side dishes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 175°F to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- You can substitute grapeseed oil with canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- Customize the BBQ sauce with a spicy or smoky flavor to suit your taste preferences.
