Air-Fried Barbecue Chicken: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make barbecue chicken without having to stand in the hot sun over a grill. It's quick, easy, and versatile, making it perfect for a summer picnic, backyard get-together, or weeknight dinner. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy skin and, when paired with barbecue sauce, keeps the meat moist and tender.

You can use a variety of chicken cuts, including breasts, thighs, legs, and wings, and there are also options for spice rubs and sauces to suit your taste.

How to make BBQ chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

To make BBQ chicken in an air fryer, you will need:

• Chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Barbecue sauce
• Spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper
• Optional: Brown sugar, dry mustard, and lime soda

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using chicken breasts, thinner cuts are preferable. You can slice larger breasts in half or pound them to make them thinner and more even. For chicken drumsticks, you can butterfly them to make them cook faster and more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Seasoning

While your air fryer preheats to 370-400°F, prepare your seasoning. In a small bowl, combine spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can also add brown sugar and dry mustard for extra flavor. Mix the spices with a little olive oil to form a paste.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take your chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the spice paste you just made. You can use a brush or your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, skin-side down. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using.

Step 5: Add Barbecue Sauce

After the chicken is cooked through, generously brush barbecue sauce on all sides of the chicken. Return the chicken to the air fryer for another 1-4 minutes to heat the sauce. The sauce will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices redistribute and your chicken stays moist. Serve your BBQ chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips:

• Always ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• You can line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or coat it with oil to prevent sticking.
• Avoid using aerosol spray cans in your air fryer. Instead, use a good-quality oil mister or a silicone basting brush to apply oil.
• Different types of chicken and air fryers may require adjustments in temperature and cooking time.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper use of your air fryer.

What ingredients do you need?

To make barbecue chicken in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Thinner chicken breasts work better, so slice larger breasts in half if needed. If you prefer, you can also use chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a combination of different cuts. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size of the chicken pieces.

Seasonings

For a simple seasoning mix, you will need garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional). You can also add some ground mustard or brown sugar to the mix for extra flavour. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought spice rub or a dry brine.

Oil

Use olive oil or a neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and prevents sticking in the air fryer. You can brush it on the chicken or use a spray oil.

Barbecue Sauce

Use your favourite barbecue sauce, or make your own. You can use a sweet, spicy, or tangy sauce, depending on your preference. The sauce will be added during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

How long does it take to cook?

The cooking time for barbecue chicken in an air fryer depends on the type of chicken used, the air fryer model, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times for different cuts of chicken:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

For boneless skinless chicken breasts, the cooking time can vary from 10 to 20 minutes in the air fryer. Some recipes suggest a cooking time of around 10 minutes on each side, for a total of 20 minutes. However, it is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Thinner chicken breasts will cook faster, while larger or thicker breasts may require additional time. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part before serving.

Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Bone-in chicken breasts will take longer to cook than boneless breasts. One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 375°F and cooking the chicken for 18 minutes skin-side down, followed by an additional 3 to 12 minutes skin-side up, depending on the size of the pieces. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Chicken thighs and drumsticks, either bone-in or boneless, will have different cooking times compared to chicken breasts due to their darker meat and higher fat content. One recipe recommends cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, and then brushing with barbecue sauce and cooking for an additional 5 minutes. This results in a total cooking time of 20 minutes.

Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in an air fryer will take longer than individual pieces. One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 360°F and cooking a 3-4 lb whole chicken for 30 minutes breast-side down, followed by an additional 12 to 22 minutes breast-side up, for a total cooking time of 42 to 52 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The cooking time for barbecue chicken in an air fryer can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Thickness of Chicken: Thinner cuts of chicken, such as thin-sliced chicken breasts, will cook faster than thicker cuts.
• Type of Air Fryer: Different air fryer models may have varying cooking times due to differences in design and power. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Desired Level of Crispiness: For a crispier chicken, you may need to cook it for a few additional minutes.
• Temperature of Chicken: It is recommended to use room temperature chicken breasts for even and consistent cooking. Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator may require a slightly longer cooking time.

What temperature should you cook at?

The optimal temperature to cook barbecue chicken in an air fryer depends on the cut of chicken you are using. For example, the ideal temperature for chicken breasts is between 360°F and 380°F, whereas chicken wings, thighs, and legs are best cooked at 380°F.

Chicken breasts require a lower temperature because they are more prone to overcooking and drying out. On the other hand, chicken wings, thighs, and legs have more fat and can withstand a higher temperature without drying out.

It's important to note that the temperature and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer being used. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Additionally, when cooking chicken in an air fryer, it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches at least 165°F to ensure it is cooked safely and thoroughly.

Can you use sauces in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use sauces in an air fryer, but it is generally advised against. While it is possible to use sauces in an air fryer, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is crucial to be cautious when adding sauce to the air fryer as it can cause splattering and make a mess. This is because the hot air circulating inside the air fryer can cause liquids to splatter, leading to potential safety hazards and a messy appliance. Therefore, it is recommended to add sauce towards the end of the cooking process. Additionally, it is advised to use thicker sauces as they are less likely to cause splattering.

Secondly, it is important to note that certain types of dishes are not suitable for cooking in an air fryer. Sauce-based dishes such as stews, chilli con carne, or bolognese are not recommended as they can be dangerous and messy due to the high likelihood of splattering. Instead, it is suggested to use a slow cooker for such recipes.

Lastly, it is important to be mindful of the type of air fryer you have and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper usage. Some air fryers may not be suitable for sauces at all, so it is essential to check before proceeding.

In conclusion, while it is possible to use sauces in an air fryer, it requires careful consideration and attention to avoid any potential issues. It is generally advised to use thicker sauces sparingly towards the end of the cooking process to avoid making a mess and causing potential safety hazards.

Frequently asked questions