There’s nothing quite as tasty as BBQ chicken, and I love how easy it to make in my Air Fryer with just a few basic ingredients! A simple spice rub, chicken breasts, and barbecue sauce is all it takes to get a delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This Air Fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe always comes out perfectly juicy, tender, and finger-lickin’ good!
My Air Fryer has become one of my favorite kitchen appliances over the last few years, and it’s proven to be one of the best ways to cook BBQ chicken for quick dinners. My kids love this chicken and it pairs so well with mashed potatoes, fries, veggies, or whatever side dish I come up with!
What’s in Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts?
A simple seasoning mix makes the chicken breasts extra flavorful before they’re smothered with your choice of BBQ sauce!
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this barbecue recipe. Thinner chicken breasts work best, so slice larger breasts in half if needed.
- Seasonings: You’ll need a medley of chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder for the flavorful spice rub.
- Olive Oil: This helps adhere the spices to the chicken while it cooks in the Air Fryer.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite sauce. Any kind works–make it sweet, spicy, or tangy!
Add Some Heat
If you want spicier Air Fryer BBQ chicken, simply add some cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before rubbing it into the chicken breasts. You can also opt for a hot barbecue sauce for a real kick.
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How to Store and Reheat
Once cooled to room temperature, you can store Air-fried BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend reheating it in the Air Fryer for just a few minutes, until warmed all the way through.
How to Freeze
Store Air Fryer BBQ chicken breast in a freezer-safe storage bag or container for up to 2 months. Let the frozen chicken thaw in the fridge for a few hours prior to reheating.
Notes and Tips
This Air Fryer BBQ chicken recipe really works for any cut of chicken: boneless chicken breasts, thighs, cutlets, tenders, etc. The main thing that will need to be adjusted is the cooking time. Larger, bone-in pieces will take longer; smaller, boneless pieces will cook faster.
Top Reader Reviews
- “Awesome recipe. All ingredients were spot on. Flavor was fantastic. Will definitely make this again and again. Thank you!!” – Gloria
- “Easy and delicious. Timing was perfect. Used slap ya mama for a little heat.” – Amy
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts thin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 370°F.
- For best results, use thin chicken breasts. If needed, slice the chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces or place the breasts between parchment paper, plastic wrap, or in a zip-top bag and pound them thin.1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small dish.1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Coat each chicken breast with the oil and seasoning mix.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook for 9 minutes, flip the chicken breasts, and cook for 8 more minutes.
- Brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce.½ cup BBQ sauce
- Cook for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice and serve with additional BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Be sure to use a preheated Air Fryer.
- Use similar sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.
- If you want to give the chicken a smokier taste, switch the paprika out for smoked paprika.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Step by Step
Combine the Spices: Preheat the Air Fryer to 370°F. Then combine 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder in a small dish.
Season the Chicken: Slice 1 ½ – 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces; or place the breasts between parchment paper, plastic wrap, or in a zip-top bag and pound them into thin, even pieces. Then distribute 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the seasoning mix over each chicken breast.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the number of pieces you plan to cook, you may need to Air Fry in batches. Cook for 9 minutes.
Flip: Flip the chicken breasts, and cook for 8 more minutes.
Add the BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken with about ½ cup of barbecue sauce. Then cook for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice and serve air fried chicken breasts with additional BBQ sauce!
Easy, moist, and oh so delicious!
Thanks for the recipe, will be back to try others
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome recipe. All ingredients were spot on. Flavor was fantastic. Will definitely make this again and again. Thank you!!
I’m so happy to hear you loved it, Gloria!
Awesome recipe!
Easy and delicious. Timing was perfect. Used slap ya mama for a little heat.
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Amy!
Hi
can we bake this?
If so what time & temperature ?
Thx
Hi Sherry, try following this recipe for baked bbq chicken (click here)!