I am always on the hunt for quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinners. My air fryer has been a total game-changer! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe for BBQ chicken thighs that will have you licking your fingers and coming back for seconds! The air fryer oven has the power to quickly turn chicken pieces into crispy, slightly charred BBQ goodness for a delicious dinner any time of year.
![Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs-5.jpg)
BBQ Chicken Thighs
If you haven’t tried the air fryer yet, what are you waiting for? This handy gadget has revolutionized my cooking. From crispy fries to juicy chicken, to mouthwatering Apple Crisp it does it all with less oil and less mess. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick, tasty meal without the hassle of traditional frying or baking.
![Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs-3.jpg)
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Air Frying is so healthy! These BBQ chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Air fryer makes them a bit healthier than the traditional fried version, without losing any of that crispy goodness we all love.
- Air Frying is so easy! I’m all about meals that don’t need a lot of effort. With this recipe, you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.
🧾Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious BBQ chicken thighs:
![Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs-2.jpg)
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Vinegar and Honey: I like to use extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, and honey to help the seasoning stick and add a bit of extra flavor.
- Seasonings: I love to use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, red chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- BBQ Sauce: I love making my own BBQ sauce with ketchup, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, sweet paprika, extra virgin olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. But if you prefer, you can always use your favorite store-bought brand or try making your own with this easy recipe.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
![Air Fryer Chicken Thighs process 1](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-Chicken-Thighs-process-1.jpg)
1. Rub chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
![Air Fryer Chicken Thighs process 2](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-Chicken-Thighs-process-2.jpg)
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients and stir well. Bring to a simmer, then cook on low heat for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
![Air Fryer Chicken Thighs process 3](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-Chicken-Thighs-process-3.jpg)
3. Place the thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 205°C (401°F) for 8 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 5 minutes.
![Air Fryer Chicken Thighs process 4](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-Chicken-Thighs-process-4.jpg)
4. Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Turn them, brush with more sauce, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and caramelized.
![Air Fryer Chicken Thighs process 5](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-Chicken-Thighs-process-5.jpg)
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to make it juicier and more flavorful.
🍽 What to serve with BBQ Chicken Thighs
I like to serve Air fryer BBQ chicken thighs with these delicious side dishes: Bubble Potato Pillows, Crispy smashed potatoes, Pasta Salad, or Egg Potato Salad.
![Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs-4.jpg)
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the chicken some space to cook. If they're too crowded, they won't cook evenly.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This way, your chicken will be perfectly cooked every time.
Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to get creative and try new things! Experiment with different BBQ sauces or even add a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Storage: Store leftover BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly for up to 4 days.
🍗More Chicken Recipes to Try!
I have also made a few chicken recipes like Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken, Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo), Chicken Croquettes, Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Kiev, and Chicken Katsu Curry.
🍛More Comfort Food Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite comfort food recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
![Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs](https://vargasavourrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Air-Fryer-BBQ-Chicken-Thighs-5-360x360.jpg)
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken Thighs
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 120 g Ketchup
- 30 ml White Vinegar
- 30 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 30 g Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, white vinegar, honey, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and red chili powder. Mix well and ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, sweet paprika, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook over low heat for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the refrigerator and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in a preheated air fryer at 205°C (401°F) for 8 minutes.
- After 8 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the thighs and cook for 5 minutes.
- Open the air fryer after 5 minutes, remove the air fryer basket, and brush the chicken thighs with the prepared barbecue sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer, turn the chicken thighs skin-side up, and brush with barbecue sauce. Air fry chicken thighs for another 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy, caramelized, and lightly charred. Or until the internal temperature is 170F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Brush with more barbecue sauce for extra flavor if you prefer and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra
These air fryer BBQ chicken thighs were amazing! So easy and mess-free, and they look perfectly crispy and flavorful.