If you are craving a mouthwatering, finger-licking dish that’s both quick and packed with smoky, tangy flavors, this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is about to become your go-to favorite. Juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer take on a beautiful charred exterior, thanks to the magic of barbecue sauce and a touch of liquid smoke. This recipe combines simplicity and bold flavors to bring you comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential in crafting tender, flavorful chicken thighs with just the right balance of smokiness, seasoning, and saucy goodness.
- 6 bone-in and skin on chicken thighs: The star of the dish, ensuring juicy meat with crispy skin after air frying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning paste stick and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic punch to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a hint of spicy warmth to balance the BBQ sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and tenderizing the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke: Offers that authentic smoky barbecue flavor without needing a grill.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: The finishing touch that caramelizes beautifully on the thighs, adding tang and sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and patting them dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, poke several slits on both sides of the thighs. These little incisions create paths for the seasoning to dive deeper into the meat, boosting every bite with flavor.
Step 2: Make and Apply the Seasoning Paste
Mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and liquid smoke in a small bowl until a rich paste forms. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs to ensure every nook and cranny is covered. Letting the chicken rest uncovered on your counter for about 20 minutes helps the meat come to room temperature and allows the seasonings to fully penetrate.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken—First Round
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and air fry for 12 minutes. This initial cooking crisps the underside while starting to render the fat.
Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce and Continue Cooking
Brush the chicken thighs with your barbecue sauce, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize and char slightly, adding beautiful depth and texture.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the chicken thighs skin side up and air fry for 5 minutes to crisp the skin perfectly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and juicy results. Brush on another layer of barbecue sauce and air fry for a final 3 minutes to seal in all that flavor and achieve a gorgeous finishing touch.
Step 6: Final Baste and Serve
For an extra saucy experience, brush on more barbecue sauce just before serving. The layers of smoky, tangy sauce paired with juicy chicken make this an unbeatable meal.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts delightfully with the smoky sweetness. For an added zing, offer lemon wedges to squeeze over the top, bringing brightness to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these BBQ chicken thighs with classic sides like crispy air-fried fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for texture balance. If you’re feeling hearty, buttery corn on the cob or roasted vegetables are also fantastic complements to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe into a party hit? Serve the chicken sliced atop garlic mashed potatoes or tucked into soft slider buns with extra barbecue sauce and pickles for a fun, casual meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will preserve the flavors and moisture, so your next meal is just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save the chicken for longer, wrap each thigh individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cooked chicken thighs can last up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, warming in the oven or microwave works, but air frying maintains that coveted crispy skin and fresh flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly and check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked but not dried out.
What if I don’t have liquid smoke?
Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor without grilling, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it and still enjoy delicious BBQ chicken, especially if your barbecue sauce has a smoky profile.
How do I get the skin extra crispy?
Patting the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning and not overcrowding the air fryer basket ensures maximum crispiness. Also, flipping the thighs midway helps the skin crisp evenly on both sides.
Can I use a homemade barbecue sauce in this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully and allows you to tailor the sweetness and spice to your liking, enhancing the overall dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping because the chicken reheats well while maintaining its juicy texture and flavor. Just pair with your favorite sides and store properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about juicy chicken thighs slathered in barbecue sauce with a hint of smokiness and cooked to crisp perfection in an air fryer. This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is a simple yet elevated way to enjoy a classic favorite any day of the week. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it over and over again — it’s that good!
