Air-Fryer Bbq Chicken Breast: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook juicy, tender, and flavourful chicken breasts. This method of cooking chicken is great for all occasions and can be served on rice, in salads, sandwiches, and more.

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

- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- Olive oil or oil of your choice

- BBQ sauce

- Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, etc.)

First, preheat your air fryer to around 370-390°F. While the air fryer is heating up, rub the chicken breasts with oil and your chosen seasonings. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for around 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finally, brush the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes.

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken

When making BBQ chicken in an air fryer, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This cut of chicken is ideal as it cooks evenly and results in juicy and tender meat. You can also use chicken thighs, but the flavour and cooking time will vary. If you prefer chicken legs, wings, or other cuts, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these parts may take longer to cook.

Size and Thickness

Aim for chicken breasts that are of similar size and thickness. This ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked. If you have larger chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half or pounding them to create thinner, more uniform pieces. This step is crucial for the best results.

Fresh or Frozen

For the best results, it is recommended to use fresh, thawed chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time and might not cook as evenly. If you must use frozen chicken, thaw it beforehand, either by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method, fully cooking it immediately after.

Quality

Always opt for high-quality, fresh chicken from a reliable source. Look for chicken with a natural colour and avoid any pieces with discolouration or an off-putting odour. Ensure the chicken is properly refrigerated and packaged when purchasing.

Preparation

Before cooking, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Removing the fat helps keep the meat tender and juicy during the air-frying process. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness, which promotes even cooking and ensures the spices are more evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, select your chicken breasts, aiming for a similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are uneven, you can use a meat tenderiser or rolling pin to pound the thicker parts until they are of a similar thickness to the rest of the breast. This step is optional but recommended for the best results.

Next, you will need to coat the chicken breasts in oil. You can use a cooking spray or brush to apply olive oil or another oil of your choice to both sides of the chicken. This step will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and create a delicious exterior.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper or create a custom spice rub. A basic spice rub could include garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also add brown sugar or ground mustard for a unique flavour. Apply the seasonings generously to both sides of the chicken, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they stick.

At this point, you may choose to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 45 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This step is optional but can enhance the taste of the final dish.

Once your chicken is seasoned (or marinated), it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this should only take a few minutes.

Now you are ready to cook the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Spray or brush the chicken with a little more oil to create a juicy, flavourful dish.

Close the basket and cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip the breasts and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, so it is essential to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

Your chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.

Enjoy your juicy and flavourful air fryer BBQ chicken!

Cooking the chicken

The first step in cooking your chicken is to ensure that the breasts are of even thickness. If they are not, place the chicken breasts between parchment paper, plastic wrap, or in a zip-top bag and pound them until they are of an even thickness. For best results, you should also bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking.

Next, you will need to prepare your seasoning. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional). You can also add ground mustard or brown sugar to the mix if you like.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then spray or brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the chicken, gently pressing it into the meat.

Now your chicken is ready for the air fryer! Spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the chicken inside, presentation-side down, in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 360-390°F and heat for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F.

Once the chicken is cooked, generously spread BBQ sauce over the top and sides of the chicken. Place the chicken back in the air fryer for another 1-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Storing leftovers

When you are ready to enjoy your chicken again, simply reheat it in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 375°F, adding an extra minute or two if it needs more time to heat through.

You can also freeze your cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then double wrap the chicken and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer BBQ chicken breast. Here are some suggestions:

Salads

You can serve the chicken on a bed of salad greens, such as in a Santa Fe chicken salad, or chop it up and add it to a pasta salad.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Try adding the chicken to a chicken Caesar wrap, or put it in a chicken wrap or sandwich with your favourite bread.

Tacos and Quesadillas

Taco night can be spiced up by adding BBQ chicken to the shells, along with some guacamole and shredded cheese. Alternatively, you can make BBQ chicken quesadillas by topping your tortillas with a layer of shredded cheese, some barbecue chicken, and extra toppings like onions or peppers.

Pizza

Add some BBQ chicken to your pizza, along with some mozzarella cheese and your favourite toppings.

Sides

Air fryer BBQ chicken breast goes well with many different side dishes. Some suggestions include air fryer potato wedges, air fryer French fries, air fryer corn on the cob, broccoli salad with bacon, vinegar coleslaw, air fryer sweet potato fries, roasted sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, street corn, mashed potatoes, fries, and veggies.

Frequently asked questions