Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe offers juicy, flavorful boneless chicken thighs coated with a smoky and spicy dry rub, cooked quickly in the air fryer and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for a fast, delicious dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spice Rub
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
Other
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim off any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.
- Apply the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken – First Stage: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket and cook for 7 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: After 7 minutes, flip each chicken thigh and cook for another 7 minutes to ensure both sides are nicely cooked and browned.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Brush half of the BBQ sauce on one side of the chicken thighs, flip them over, and brush the remaining BBQ sauce on the other side.
- Final Cook: Cook the glazed chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the BBQ sauce sets and the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper.
- For more smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
- Non-stick cooking spray helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
