Description
Crispy, juicy, and full of smoky flavor, these air fryer BBQ chicken thighs deliver restaurant-quality results in minutes. Seasoned with savory spices and finished with tangy barbecue sauce, this comfort dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special meals.
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme (optional for extra aroma)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, sugar-free or regular
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and score the skin in a few places with a knife.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
Rub the spice blend evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin-side up, ensuring they are not overlapping.
Cook for 18 minutes.
After 18 minutes, brush or spoon barbecue sauce evenly over all the chicken thighs.
Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is crispy and caramelized.
Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Score the chicken skin before seasoning to ensure even crispiness.
If the thighs are crowded, cook in batches for best results.
For a bolder BBQ flavor, mix a bit of the spice blend into the barbecue sauce before brushing.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 2-3 months; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg