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
Scale
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.
