Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe:
Note: This recipe is for 4 servings of delicious and crispy BBQ chicken thighs cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin crisp up better.
- In a bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Marinate (Optional):
- If you have time, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture for 30 minutes to an hour. This will enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken Thighs:
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, skin side down. You may need to cook the thighs in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Flip and Sauce:
- After 20 minutes, carefully flip the chicken thighs skin side up using tongs.
- Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the skin side of the thighs.
- Continue Cooking:
- Put the chicken thighs back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve the air fryer BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread.
Notes:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful.
- Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Marinating: Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer model, size of chicken thighs, and desired level of crispiness. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Safety: Always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling raw chicken.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer BBQ chicken thighs!
Absolutely, here are some additional tips and variations to make your air fryer BBQ chicken thighs even more delightful:
Tips:
- Patience with Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and crispy results. Don’t skip this step.
- Spacing: Make sure the chicken thighs are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Leave some space between them for proper air circulation.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the chicken thighs, especially towards the end of cooking, to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Basting: If you prefer a saucier finish, you can baste the chicken with more barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Crispy Skin Trick: To achieve an even crispier skin, you can lightly dust the skin with a thin layer of cornstarch before cooking.
- Custom Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste. You can add a touch of cayenne pepper for heat or a bit of brown sugar for sweetness.
Variations:
- Flavorful Marinade: Instead of marinating with the dry spice mix, you can create a flavorful marinade using yogurt, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different types of barbecue sauces – tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky – to create various flavor profiles.
- Asian Twist: Use an Asian-inspired marinade and sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey for an Asian BBQ chicken variation.
- Mango Salsa Topping: Top the cooked chicken thighs with a fresh mango salsa made with diced mangoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño.
- Glazed Finish: For a sticky glaze, apply the barbecue sauce in layers during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing each layer to caramelize before adding the next.
- Dry Rub: Skip the barbecue sauce and opt for a dry rub of your favorite spices. The air fryer will still create a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Boneless Thighs: If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time accordingly – they may cook a bit faster.
Remember, cooking is all about creativity, so feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your air fryer BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides and share the goodness with friends and family!
