Ingredients
For the BBQ sauce: I like making my own BBQ sauce because it only takes a few minutes and uses pantry staples like ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and spices. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought bbq sauce instead.
Tomato ketchup. Worcestershire sauce. Cider vinegar / Balsamic vinegar. Honey. Brown sugar can be substituted. Salt and black pepper.
For the air fryer barbecue chicken
Chicken breasts. I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Bone-in in chicken like thighs, chicken drumsticks, etc. can also be used but will require longer cooking time. Smoked paprika. Garlic powder. Onion powder. Cayenne pepper. Salt and black pepper.
How to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Place the chicken on a chopping board then cover with parchment paper and flatten out with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Combine the seasonings then sprinkle over the chicken, on both sides. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Mix all the BBQ sauce ingredients together in a small bowl then brush liberally over the chicken. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes, flipping over half way basting with the remaining sauce. Air fry until caramelized and just cooked through then remove from the air fryer, allow to rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Can I make this ahead?
The chicken can be seasoned the day ahead of cooking and kept covered in the fridge. The bbq sauce can be made and kept in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
What to serve with BBQ chicken
This air fryer chicken recipe makes a delicious easy dinner served with side dishes like salads, corn on the cob or potatoes.
Air fryer recipes
I always use my Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer when developing air fryer recipes. It is by far the most efficient air fryer I’ve used and the basket size is excellent for a family of 4. I am partnered with Instant Pot South Africa.
