Air Frying Barbecue Sauce: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make barbecue chicken without firing up the grill or smoker. The key to achieving juicy, tender, and flavourful BBQ chicken in an air fryer is to add the barbecue sauce towards the end of the cooking process. This is because barbecue sauce tends to burn easily due to its high sugar content, resulting in a bitter taste. By adding the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking, you get the best of both worlds – juicy chicken with a slightly charred and sticky coating.

How long to cook BBQ sauce in an air fryer

Yes, you can put barbecue sauce in an 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.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. The chicken should be at room temperature for even cooking. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to make them as even as possible. This will help ensure consistent cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. You can use a simple spice rub of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, or add additional spices like onion powder, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for a spicier dish. Stir the spices together and set the bowl aside.

Next, spray or brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, gently pressing it into the meat. Repeat this process on the other side of the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Spray or brush the basket of your air fryer with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the basket, presentation side down, in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 360°F and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Flip and Continue Cooking

After 10 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Step 5: Add the BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer. Generously spread your favourite BBQ sauce over the top and sides of the chicken. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Place the sauced chicken back into the air fryer for an additional 1-2 minutes. The BBQ sauce will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy your juicy, tender, and flavourful air fryer BBQ chicken!

Best temperature for cooking BBQ chicken

Yes, you can put barbecue sauce in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to add the sauce only in the last few minutes of cooking, as the sugar in the sauce may burn if added too early or if the temperature is too high.

Now, for the best temperature for cooking BBQ chicken in an air fryer, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to between 360°F and 390°F. The ideal internal temperature for the chicken is 165°F. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasonings

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. Thinner chicken breasts work better, so slice larger breasts in half or pound them to make them thinner and more even.
• For the seasonings, you can use a combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), and black pepper. You can also add some olive oil to help the spices adhere to the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F-390°F.
• Coat each chicken breast with oil and the seasoning mix.
• Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the chicken for about 9-10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce

• Brush each chicken breast with your favourite BBQ sauce. Any kind of sauce will work, so feel free to choose a sweet, spicy, or tangy option.
• Cook the chicken for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Enjoy your juicy and tender BBQ chicken!

How to store leftover BBQ chicken

Yes, you can put barbecue sauce in an air fryer, but it is recommended to add it only in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, as the sauce's sugar content can cause it to burn if added earlier in the cooking process.

Leftover BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Here are some detailed instructions and recipes for storing and repurposing leftover BBQ chicken:

Refrigerating Leftover BBQ Chicken

• Separate the chicken into meal-sized portions.
• Place the portions in airtight containers or wrap them in aluminium foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in an air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Leftover BBQ Chicken

• Allow the chicken to cool completely.
• Wrap the chicken in a double layer or place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label the container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator before reheating and consuming.

Recipes Using Leftover BBQ Chicken

You can use leftover BBQ chicken to make a variety of dishes, including:

• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
• BBQ Chicken Nachos
• BBQ Chicken Enchiladas
• BBQ Chicken Pizza
• BBQ Chicken Salad
• BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• BBQ Chicken Casserole
• BBQ Chicken Fried Rice
• BBQ Chicken Tacos

Can you use frozen chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in an air fryer. It's super easy and convenient, and the result is delicious, juicy chicken. The cooking time will depend on the cut and size of the chicken, but it typically takes between 4 and 30 minutes.

• Preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit.
• If your chicken is raw and unseasoned, place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes to thaw. Then, brush with olive oil and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, depending on the cut and size.
• If your chicken is pre-seasoned or breaded, brush the air fryer basket with olive oil, place the chicken inside, and cook at 390°F for 4-25 minutes, depending on the cut.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Even with the same cut, this can vary quite a lot.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can you make BBQ in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make BBQ chicken in an air fryer! This is a great way to get the classic barbecue taste without using a grill or smoker. The chicken will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

You will need chicken, barbecue sauce, olive oil or cooking spray, and a seasoning mix of your choice. For the chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, tenders, wings, or drumsticks. If you are using breasts, thinner ones work best, so slice larger ones in half or pound them thin. You can also leave the skin on or take it off. For the barbecue sauce, you can use any type or brand you like, such as Sweet Baby Ray's or Kraft Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce. For the seasoning, you can use a simple mix of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, or get creative with other combinations.

Instructions

Start by coating the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, prepare the chicken by coating it in olive oil and the seasoning mix. You can also add a dry rub or spice mix if desired. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, take the chicken out and brush both sides with barbecue sauce. Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 2-4 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the type and size of chicken you are using. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for white meat or 175°F for dark meat.

Tips

• You can marinate the chicken in the oil and seasoning mixture beforehand for even more flavor.
• Don't add the barbecue sauce too early, or it will burn.
• You can also make other dishes in the air fryer while the chicken is cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for 1-3 months.

Frequently asked questions