Air-Fried Bbq Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

BBQ chicken is a staple at summer picnics, backyard get-togethers, and even as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. But what if you don't have a grill or the weather isn't cooperating? That's where the air fryer comes in! You can easily make juicy and tender BBQ chicken in your air fryer with just a few simple ingredients and about 20-30 minutes of cooking time.

How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?

The cooking time for chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the model of the air fryer.

Small chicken breasts (5 to 7 ounces) will take 6 to 10 minutes to cook. Medium breasts (8 to 10 ounces) will take 7 to 12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 10 to 16 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the thickness of the chicken pieces. Therefore, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to the desired level of doneness. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.

Additionally, it is advised to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

How to make Air Fryer BBQ chicken wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings (drums and flats) – 2 lbs (defrosted if frozen)
• Smoked paprika – 2 tsp
• Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning – 2 tsp
• Sea salt – 1/2 tsp or to taste
• Ground black pepper – 1/4 tsp or to taste
• Baking powder – 4 tsp
• BBQ sauce – 1 cup (or your preferred amount/type)

Method:

• Clean and pat dry your chicken wings with a paper towel.
• Add the chicken to a large bowl with the seasonings and baking powder. Make sure all the wings are coated in the seasoning.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the chicken in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket or place chicken on top of each other.
• Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 7-10 minutes, until no longer pink and an instant thermometer reads 165°F. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Transfer the chicken wings to a clean large bowl. Then, pour ⅔ cups of barbecue sauce onto the wings and mix until all the wings are coated.
• Place the chicken coated in barbecue sauce back into the air fryer and heat for an additional 3-5 minutes at 350°F.
• Serve immediately. If you want extra saucy wings, place the wings back into the bowl and top with 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce.

Tips:

• You can coat the chicken with your favourite store-bought sauce or make your own.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can make these wings in the oven.
• You can also make this recipe with chicken breasts or chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

What type of BBQ sauce to use?

When making BBQ chicken in an air fryer, you can use your favourite BBQ sauce or make your own. You can use a sweet sauce, a spicy sauce, or a tangy sauce.

Some recipes suggest a specific brand of BBQ sauce, like Kraft Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray's.

If you want to make your own sauce, you can use a combination of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and salt and pepper.

How to store and reheat BBQ chicken

Storing and reheating BBQ chicken is a simple process, but there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure your food is safe and tasty.

Storing BBQ Chicken

Leftover BBQ chicken should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. Use airtight containers, plastic bags, or vacuum-sealed bags to store the meat. Vacuum sealing is a great way to ensure your BBQ chicken stays fresh and moist. It's also helpful to store your leftovers in smaller portions to aid portion control and to ensure the meat cools evenly. Label your packages with the date and try to eat leftovers within 3-4 days. BBQ chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, and vacuum-sealed meat can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 years.

Reheating BBQ Chicken

When reheating BBQ chicken, it's best to avoid the microwave, as this can dry out the meat and cause uneven cooking. Instead, try one of the following methods:

• Conventional Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove any plastic wrap from the chicken and wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in a pan, adding a little water to keep it moist. Reheat to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
• Stove Top/Water Bath: If you have a vacuum-sealed bag, you can place the bag in a pot of water on the stove and heat until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and heat the chicken for 3-4 minutes until crisp and heated through.

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What to serve with BBQ chicken

BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, air-fried chicken:

Classic Sides

The classics are classic for a reason! You can't go wrong with creamy potato salad, sweet baked beans, or mac and cheese. These dishes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will transport you to your best backyard BBQ memories.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option to balance out the smokiness of the BBQ chicken. Try a simple lettuce salad, a Greek pasta salad with feta cheese and olives, or a tangy vinegar-based coleslaw. For a tropical twist, opt for a Hawaiian coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, and carrots.

Starchy Sides

Starchy sides are always a hit and will leave your guests satisfied. Try fluffy homemade biscuits, cornbread, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a healthier option, opt for quinoa or brown rice.

Veggies

Veggies are a must-have at any BBQ. Grill some corn on the cob, or try air-fried asparagus, carrots, or broccoli. If you're feeling adventurous, go for fried green tomatoes or okra.

Fruits

Fruits can add a sweet and tangy touch to your meal. Serve some fresh pineapple or a fruit salad with grapes, mangoes, and strawberries. Grilled fruit, such as peaches and nectarines, also pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken.

Extras

Don't forget the extras! Fried pickles, homemade chips, and guacamole can take your BBQ to the next level. And of course, no BBQ is complete without some buttered corn on the cob.

Frequently asked questions