Marianne Martinez
Cooking BBQ chicken thighs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, juicy, and tender chicken without the need to fire up the grill. With an air fryer, you can get that barbecue taste and flavour without the hassle of outdoor grilling. The process is simple and the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken thighs, depending on your preference, and the cooking time will be around 20 minutes for juicy and tender chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken thighs, BBQ sauce, olive oil, avocado oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red chilli powder/cayenne pepper, breadcrumbs |
| Temperature | 375F-400F (380F for the final cook); 180°C |
| Timing | 20 minutes total; 10 minutes skin-down; 5 minutes with sauce; 3-5 minutes skin-up; 2-3 minutes; 2 minutes |
| Other | Pat chicken dry with paper towels; trim excess fat; score the skin side; preheat the air fryer; leave space between chicken pieces; use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (170F, 175F-180F or 165F); reheat in the air fryer at 375F or 300F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken thighs
Boneless vs Bone-in
You can choose between boneless or bone-in chicken thighs for your air fryer BBQ recipe. Boneless chicken thighs are easier to work with and ensure even cooking. They are a good option if you want a quicker cooking time, as they generally take 18-20 minutes in the air fryer. However, some people prefer bone-in chicken thighs as they can be more flavourful and juicy. Bone-in chicken thighs usually take a little longer to cook, around 22-24 minutes.
Skin-on vs Skinless
Chicken thighs with the skin on or removed are both suitable for air fryer BBQ chicken. Skin-on chicken thighs can provide a crispy texture and encourage browning, so they are best cooked at a higher temperature, around 400°F (204°C). Skinless chicken thighs, on the other hand, should be cooked at a lower temperature to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
Fresh vs Frozen
While fresh chicken thighs are typically used in air fryer recipes, you can also use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure to increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Quantity
When choosing the quantity of chicken thighs to use, consider the size of your air fryer basket. You want to ensure that there is enough space between each piece of chicken to allow for proper airflow and even cooking. Generally, six chicken thighs are the maximum that will fit in an average-sized air fryer basket in a single layer.
Quality
Opt for good-quality, fresh chicken thighs from a reliable source. Look for chicken thighs with a healthy, plump appearance and avoid any with discolouration or an off-putting odour.
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Preparing the chicken
Once you have your chicken thighs, trim any excess fat and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the seasoning will adhere better to the meat. Next, score the chicken thighs on the skin side, making a few cuts into the flesh until you reach the bone. This technique allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing the flavor.
Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for a milder option, salt, and black pepper. Mix your chosen spices in a large bowl and add the chicken, coating them evenly with the seasoning. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil to the bowl and toss well to coat the chicken.
If you have time, you can let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step is optional but can intensify the flavors. When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F-400°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking chicken thighs at 400°F to encourage browning and crispiness.
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for BBQ chicken thighs in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the type of air fryer you have, whether the chicken thighs are boneless or bone-in, and your personal preference for the doneness of the meat.
Most sources recommend cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer at a temperature between 375°F and 400°F. If your chicken thighs have the skin on, it is best to cook them at 400°F to encourage browning and crisping of the skin. On the other hand, skinless chicken thighs should be cooked at a lower temperature, around 375°F, to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Boneless chicken thighs typically take around 18 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer. Bone-in chicken thighs may take a bit longer, around 22 to 24 minutes. However, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and your desired level of doneness.
To ensure even cooking and proper air circulation, it is recommended to place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. You may need to cook the chicken in batches if your air fryer is small.
It is also important to note that BBQ sauce should be added during the last few minutes of cooking, as it can burn easily. The sauce should be applied when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F to 165°F, and the chicken should be returned to the air fryer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce is glazy and the internal temperature reaches 175°F to 180°F.
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Applying the sauce
When it comes to applying the barbecue sauce to your chicken thighs, timing is crucial. If you apply the sauce too early, it will burn, so it's best to save this step until the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
There are several ways to apply the sauce. You can use a basting brush to coat both sides of the chicken, or you can spoon the sauce over each thigh. Another method is to spread a small amount of sauce on the chicken, flip it over, then drench it in sauce, covering every part.
Once the sauce is applied, return the chicken to the air fryer and continue cooking until the sauce is glazy and the edges are lightly charred. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 175-180°F.
If you have any leftover sauce, you can serve it with the chicken.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your leftover BBQ chicken thighs is simple. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them, but make sure they are completely thawed before reheating.
Reheating chicken thighs in an air fryer is an easy way to ensure your leftover chicken retains its moisture and flavour. It's also fast and convenient. Simply preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius, or 400 degrees Fahrenheit according to some sources. Place your chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece. Reheat for 3 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the skin is crispy. For best results, bring the chicken to room temperature before reheating, and flip the thighs halfway through the cooking time.
Using an air fryer to reheat your BBQ chicken thighs helps to ensure the meat stays tender and juicy, while the skin becomes crispy. This method is also quicker than using an oven and produces better results than a microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery and unevenly heated.
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