Tiffany Haney
Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook barbecue chicken, which is a family favourite. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, tossed in a salad, or used as a pizza topping. The best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal preparation and very few ingredients. The chicken is juicy and flavourful, and can be customised with your favourite barbecue sauce. The air fryer's powerful convection fan cooks the chicken evenly, giving it a lightly charred exterior and a juicy interior.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken breasts, thighs, legs, or wings, olive oil, barbecue sauce, and spices |
| Spices | Garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, dry mustard |
| Equipment | Air fryer, instant-read thermometer, airtight container |
| Preparation | Pat chicken dry, rub with oil, season, cook, flip, add sauce, cook again |
| Cooking Time | 15-30 minutes, depending on the recipe and type of air fryer |
| Cooking Temperature | 370°F-400°F (200°C), until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) |
| Serving Suggestions | Side dishes like corn on the cob, broccoli salad, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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$7.99
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken cut
When it comes to choosing the right chicken cut for your air fryer barbecue chicken, there are a few options to consider. The most commonly used cuts are chicken breasts, thighs, legs, and wings. Here's a more detailed look at each option:
Chicken Breasts:
Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air fryer barbecue chicken. They are typically boneless and skinless, making them convenient for even cooking. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. You can also slice thicker chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces. Before cooking, pat the chicken dry and bring it to room temperature. This cut is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, as it cooks relatively fast in the air fryer.
Chicken Thighs:
Chicken thighs, either boneless or bone-in, are another great option for air fryer barbecue chicken. The dark meat of the thighs becomes tender and juicy when cooked in the air fryer. They take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts, but the results are delicious. Similar to chicken breasts, it is important to pound the thighs to an even thickness for the best results.
Chicken Legs:
Chicken legs, including drumsticks, are a flavorful option for air fryer barbecue chicken. They are usually cooked with the skin on, which adds to the crispy texture. It is recommended to butterfly the legs to make them easier to eat and to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively. Chicken legs generally take around 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, depending on their size and your air fryer's settings.
Chicken Wings:
Chicken wings are perfect for air fryer barbecue chicken if you're looking for crispy skin and juicy meat. They are smaller in size, so they cook relatively quickly in the air fryer. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the wings and your desired level of doneness. For barbecue chicken wings, cook them until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit, then brush with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
No matter which chicken cut you choose, always ensure that your air fryer is preheated and that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use. Additionally, when applying barbecue sauce, wait until the chicken is partially cooked to avoid burning the sauce.
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Preparing the chicken
Next, prepare your seasoning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or create a more complex spice rub. Some suggested spices include garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix well.
Once your spices are ready, it's time to season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then spray or brush both sides of the chicken with oil or olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and gently press it into the meat. Repeat on the other side to ensure an even coating.
If you have the time, you can let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for a while to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, this step is not necessary, as air fryer BBQ chicken will still be juicy and flavorful without any refrigeration time before cooking.
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Seasoning and marinating
Preparing the Chicken
Start by selecting chicken breasts that are similar in thickness. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, as this promotes more uniform cooking. If you are using skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. It is recommended to allow the chicken breasts to come to room temperature before cooking.
Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine your seasonings. A simple seasoning mix can include garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. You can also add onion powder, chilli powder, or dry mustard for extra flavour. Mix in a small amount of olive oil to create a paste. You can also spritz the chicken with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil before applying the seasoning to help the spices adhere better.
Applying the Seasoning
Distribute the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Gently press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it sticks. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken.
Marinating
For optimal flavour, it is best to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes after seasoning. However, for the best results, it is recommended to marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat deeply.
Pre-Cooking
Once the chicken has finished marinating, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend cooking temperatures between 370°F and 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to encourage proper airflow and even cooking.
Remember, the key to successful air fryer barbecue chicken is in the seasoning and marinating process. This will ensure your chicken is packed with flavour and has a juicy, tender texture.
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Cooking the chicken
Now you're ready to cook the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the top side facing down. Most recipes recommend cooking at around 380-400°F for 10 minutes, then flipping the chicken and cooking for another 8-12 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, so it's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. The key to juicy, tender BBQ chicken is ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking. To do this, you can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken.
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F, you can add your barbecue sauce. Be careful not to add the sauce too early, as it can burn. Brush the sauce onto both sides of the chicken and cook for another 2-4 minutes. The sauce will cook quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your juicy, tender, and flavorful BBQ chicken!
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Storing and reheating
Storing your barbecue chicken
If you have any leftover barbecue chicken, you can store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken; just make sure it has cooled completely, then double-wrap it and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating your barbecue chicken in an air fryer
Using an air fryer to reheat your barbecue chicken is a great way to retain its moisture and crispiness. It's also quick and simple! Here's how to do it:
- Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 375°F (182°C to 190°C). Some sources say there's no need to preheat, but if you do, you might need less time to reheat.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and help to crisp it up.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overlapping and that there is enough space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation.
- Reheat the chicken for 3 to 6 minutes to start with. If your chicken is frozen, you may need to add a minute or two.
- After the first heating phase, turn the chicken pieces with tongs. Try to do this carefully so that you don't break the chicken apart.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and continue reheating for another 3 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through. Smaller pieces will take less time to reheat, while bone-in pieces will take longer.
- Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You can use a digital meat thermometer to check this.
- Enjoy your freshly reheated barbecue chicken!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to cook barbecue chicken in an air fryer.
You will need chicken breasts or legs, olive oil, and barbecue sauce. For seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
It is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. You can also pat the chicken dry and apply a spice rub or seasoning before placing it in the air fryer.
The ideal temperature for cooking barbecue chicken in an air fryer is around 370°F to 400°F. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
