Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a smoky, spicy rub enhanced by a tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious grilled chicken flavor using an air fryer, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spice Rub
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Others
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If needed, pound them with a meat mallet to create an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking. Set aside.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast evenly with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice rub generously on both sides, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the basket without overlapping.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 8 minutes. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches between 160°F and 165°F (71°C to 74°C).
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over each breast for rich flavor.
- Finish Cooking with BBQ Sauce: Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), allowing the sauce to set slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with extra barbecue sauce if desired for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken is essential to keep it juicy and tender.
- Leftover BBQ chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
