Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

This air fryer BBQ chicken is perfectly juicy and tender and is so much faster than firing up the grill. It needs a handful of ingredients and cooks in under 20 minutes.

Craving barbecue but don’t have the patience to whip out the grill? This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe is your answer.

While I typically stick to other air fryer recipes, like air fryer chicken breast or air fryer chicken tenderloins for my family’s dinnertime protein option, dousing them in some barbecue sauce has completely elevated them! It’s my sneaky way to get my family to stop complaining about how boring chicken breasts are.

Why this recipe works

• It is hassle-free. All the barbecue goodness without needing the BBQ.
• Quick and easy. No long marination time, breading, or complicated ingredients. This recipe is as simple as it gets, with little cook time, and makes a fabulously easy weeknight dinner.
• Amazing texture and flavor. The texture of the chicken is perfectly tender, juicy, and moist. The sauce gives it a sweet and tangy barbecue flavor that leaves you craving more.
• Easy to dress up. I like to serve this chicken as the dinnertime star and add some salad, potatoes, and corn on the cob on the side (or fries!) for a well-balanced meal.

Ingredients Needed

This air fryer BBQ chicken breast is so easy, and besides the chicken and the sauce itself, there isn’t much else needed to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken. Opt for fresh, pink, uniformly sized chicken breast fillets. The smaller they are, the easier they will be to fit in the air fryer basket.
• Salt & pepper. To taste.
• Onion & garlic powder. Because BBQ sauce already has tons of flavoring in it, I like to keep things simple with just a smidge of garlic and onion powders.
• BBQ sauce. Use your favorite barbecue sauce or choose one with the least added sugar. I like the Sweet Baby Ray brand because it uses wholesome ingredients and tastes incredible!

Find the printable recipe in the recipe card below.

How to make air fryer BBQ chicken

As someone who loves a good barbecued chicken, this air fryer version has been an absolute game changer, and it’s so fast. Ready to whip some up?

Step 1- Prep the air fryer. Grease the air fryer with oil or cooking spray and preheat it at 180°C/350°F.

Step 2- Prep the chicken. Dry the chicken and rub the spice mix all over it.

Step 3- Air fry the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side.

Step 4- Brush with BBQ sauce. Remove the chicken briefly from the air fryer, baste it with BBQ sauce, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Tips to make the best recipe

• Line the air fryer basket: Layer the air fryer basket with parchment paper to avoid annoying cleanup afterwards. I like to use air fryer liners which fit perfectly in most air fryers.
• Avoid overcrowding: Layer and space the chicken evenly for the best cooking and consistent results. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
• Start with room-temperature chicken: To ensure the chicken is cooked evenly in the air fryer, take it out of the fridge half an hour before cooking.   
• Use a meat thermometer: If you have variable-sized pieces, the best way to confirm the doneness of your chicken is to check its internal temperature. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and once it’s 165F, it’s ready to eat!
• Add some heat: If you are a spice fiend (remember, BBQ sauce is already heavily spiced), add some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or extra black pepper.

Storage instructions

To store. Allow the chicken to cool down completely. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To freeze. Store leftovers in a ziplock bag and keep it in the freezer for up to two months.

To reheat. If using frozen chicken, let it thaw in the fridge and warm it in the air fryer until ready.