Air Fryer BBQ Chicken: Perfectly Tender Every Time
Enjoy smoky, tangy, and juicy BBQ chicken made effortlessly in the air fryer. This quick and healthy recipe delivers perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (thin-sliced or pounded to even thickness, ~1.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and trim excess fat.Brush each breast lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.Mix BBQ Sauce: Combine BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set aside a portion for serving.Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes.Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation.Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through.Add BBQ Sauce: Brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce after flipping. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Rest and Serve: Remove chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve with extra BBQ sauce.