Air Fryer Bbq Sauce: Safe?

BBQ sauce can be put in an air fryer, but it should only be added to food in the final few minutes of cooking. This is because the high sugar content of BBQ sauce means it will burn if added too early in the cooking process.

When to add BBQ sauce to chicken in the air fryer

When making BBQ chicken in an air fryer, it is important to add the BBQ sauce at the right time to prevent the sauce from burning and the chicken from becoming blackened.

Most recipes recommend adding the BBQ sauce when the chicken is almost cooked through. For example, one recipe says to add the sauce when the chicken has an internal temperature of 160°F, while another says to add the sauce when the chicken is golden brown. In both cases, the chicken is then returned to the air fryer for a few more minutes to finish cooking.

Adding the sauce at the end helps to prevent burning and charring, as BBQ sauce tends to burn at temperatures above 350°F, and most air fryers cook at temperatures above this.

However, one recipe does suggest brushing the chicken with oil and BBQ sauce before placing it in the air fryer, cooking it for 8 minutes, and then flipping it over and basting with more sauce halfway through.

BBQ sauce alternatives for air fryer chicken

Yes, you can put BBQ sauce on your chicken in the air fryer, but it is recommended to add it towards the end of the cooking process to prevent burning. BBQ sauce has a high sugar content, which burns above 350°F.

Sweet Chili Sauce

As recommended by a user on Reddit, sweet chili sauce can be brushed onto salmon before air frying, and it comes out "amazing every single time".

Honey

Honey can be used as an alternative to brown sugar in your BBQ sauce. It will add a sweet and sticky glaze to your chicken.

Cider Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar

These can be used as an alternative to red wine vinegar in your BBQ sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce can be used as a marinade or as an ingredient in your BBQ sauce.

Olive Oil

Olive oil can be used to adhere spices to the chicken while it cooks in the air fryer. It can also be used as an alternative to oil spray.

How to store and reheat air fryer BBQ chicken

You can absolutely put BBQ sauce in an air fryer! In fact, an air fryer is a great way to cook BBQ chicken, as it will be tender, juicy, and perfectly delicious. Here is a guide on how to store and reheat your air fryer BBQ chicken.

Storing Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

To store leftover air fryer BBQ chicken, wrap it in aluminium foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to two to three months.

Reheating Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

To reheat your air fryer BBQ chicken, first let it come to room temperature. Then, preheat your air fryer to 350–400°F (180–200°C) for a few minutes. While you wait, prepare the chicken by placing it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will ensure the hot air can circulate effectively.

Once the air fryer is preheated, insert the basket and set the timer for four to eight minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the model of your air fryer. Halfway through, flip the chicken to ensure it reheats evenly.

You can also brush the chicken with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil before reheating, to help retain moisture and enhance crispiness.

How to prevent BBQ sauce from burning in the air fryer

Yes, you can put BBQ sauce in an air fryer, but it's important to take some precautions to prevent the sauce from burning. BBQ sauce typically contains a high amount of sugar, which can easily burn and leave a bitter taste on your food. Here are some tips to prevent BBQ sauce from burning in the air fryer:

Choose the Right BBQ Sauce

Select a BBQ sauce with moderate sugar levels to reduce the risk of burning. Some sauces have a higher sugar content, which can caramelize quickly and lead to burnt or sticky results.

Timing is Crucial

Add the BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process. Depending on the recipe, apply the sauce during the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking. This will help prevent the sauce from burning while still allowing it to infuse into the food.

Application Technique

Instead of pouring or submerging your food in the sauce, lightly brush it on. This prevents excess sauce from dripping down and burning on the bottom of the air fryer basket.

Temperature Control

Air fryers operate at high temperatures, so it's essential to monitor the heat. Keep the temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the sugar in the BBQ sauce from burning.

Preheating

Preheat your air fryer before adding the food. This helps achieve a more even cook and better caramelization of the sauce.

Alternative Methods

If you want to avoid using BBQ sauce directly in the air fryer, you can try alternative methods to achieve a similar flavor profile. Use a dry rub with BBQ-inspired spices or a BBQ seasoning blend to add a hint of smoky, savory taste without the risk of burning.

Clean Your Air Fryer Regularly

Regular cleaning of your air fryer is crucial to prevent residue buildup from BBQ sauce. Clean the basket and tray after each use to avoid any accumulation that may impact future cooking.

What type of chicken to use for air fryer BBQ chicken

When making air fryer BBQ chicken, it's best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you're using breasts of different sizes, it's a good idea to pound the thicker ones so that they're all of an even thickness. This will help them cook more evenly. If you're using larger breasts, you can slice them in half to make them thinner.

If you're looking for an alternative to chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs. You can use boneless or bone-in thighs, but be aware that bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time.

Frequently asked questions