Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs
bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/3 cup keto bbq sauce
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Directions
- 1
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- 2
Add the chicken to a large bowl or ziploc bag.
- 3
Add the spices, salt and oil to the bowl with the chicken. Then, evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning and oil.
- 4
Add the chicken to the air fryer cooking basket skin side up.
- 5
Air Crisp the thighs at 400 degrees for 12 minutes.
- 6
Flip the chicken & cook it for 5 more minutes at 400 degrees.
- 7
Use a baste brush to coat both sides of the chicken with bbq sauce.
- 8
Air crisp on 400 degrees for 5 minutes to cook the chicken through and char the sauce a bit.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
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About this Recipe
Craving tender, juicy BBQ chicken without the fuss of a grill or oven? This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe delivers incredibly flavorful bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, perfectly cooked and coated in your favorite sauce, right from your air fryer.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by harnessing the air fryer's power to create succulent chicken with minimal effort. Using a blend of common pantry spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning ensures a deeply savory base, while the high heat of the air fryer crisps the skin (if using bone-in) and caramelizes the BBQ sauce beautifully. It’s a foolproof method for consistently delicious results every time.
What to Expect
Prepare for chicken thighs that are wonderfully tender on the inside, with a rich, smoky flavor from the spice rub. If you opt for skin-on, expect a delightful crispness beneath the sweet and tangy BBQ glaze. The process is straightforward, yielding a dish that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick weekend treat. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory spices and your chosen barbecue sauce.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and pantry.
- Chicken: While designed for bone-in, skin-on thighs, you can easily use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time.
- Oil: Feel free to swap avocado oil for olive oil, as indicated in the ingredients.
- BBQ Sauce: Use any barbecue sauce you love! The recipe specifically mentions a keto BBQ sauce, but traditional or smoky varieties work just as well to customize the flavor profile.
Serve these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs as the star of a casual family dinner or a relaxed gathering. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.