There’s nothing quite as tasty as BBQ chicken breast, and I love how easy it to make in my Air Fryer with just a few basic ingredients! A simple spice rub, thinly-sliced chicken breasts, and barbecue sauce are all it takes to get a delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe always comes out perfectly juicy, tender, and finger-lickin’ good!
Top Reader Reviews
Awesome recipe. All ingredients were spot on. Flavor was fantastic. Will definitely make this again and again. Thank you!!
–
Easy and delicious. Timing was perfect. Used slap ya mama for a little heat.
–
Air-Fried Barbecue Chicken Recipe
I love classic BBQ chicken, but I don’t have time to get out the grill or smoker most nights. My Air Fryer has become one of my favorite kitchen appliances over the last few years for convenience, and it’s proven to be one of the best ways to cook BBQ chicken breast for quick dinners. My kids love this air-fried barbecue chicken and it pairs so well with mashed potatoes, fries, veggies, or whatever side dish I come up with!
I use thinly-sliced boneless chicken breasts for quick cooking. Plus a simple seasoning mix makes the chicken breasts extra flavorful before they’re smothered with lots of BBQ sauce (use your favorite kind!). Just throw it in the Air Fryer, and dinner will be ready fast!
Email this recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Chicken Recipes.
One Simple Tip!
For quick and perfectly-cooked BBQ chicken, I recommend using thinly-sliced chicken breasts. Simply cut thicker breasts in half, pound thin if needed, or start with cutlets.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1½-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (*)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher 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.1½-2 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 kosher 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 for best results.
- Use similar-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.
- Thicker or bone-in breasts will require a longer cooking time.
- If you want to give the chicken a smokier taste, swap the paprika for smoked paprika.
Note: Water, salt, pepper, oil, and broth are not counted as ingredients on this site.
How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer Step by Step
Prep and Season the Chicken: Preheat your Air Fryer to 370°F. 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. Distribute 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the seasoning mix over 1½-2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then 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.
Baste with BBQ Sauce: Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for 8 more minutes. Brush the chicken with about ½ cup of barbecue sauce.
Cook and Serve: Cook for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice and serve air-fried chicken breasts with additional BBQ sauce!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store air-fried BBQ chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2 months. I recommend reheating in the Air Fryer for just a few minutes, until warmed all the way through. Thaw first if reheating after freezing.
Leave a Reply