Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
If you are looking for a quick and flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe, this method delivers tender and juicy chicken breasts without needing to turn on the oven or heat up the grill.
This recipe uses a simple homemade spice blend to season the chicken before air frying, finishing with a generous brush of your favorite barbecue sauce for a sticky, smoky coating.
Slicing the chicken breasts in half before cooking ensures they cook evenly and quickly, making this an ideal protein for busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick preparation with minimal steps.
- Short cooking time under 20 minutes.
- Simple homemade spice blend for maximum flavor.
- No need to heat up a traditional grill or oven.
- Sliced chicken breasts ensure faster, more even cooking.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
4
servings5
minutes16
minutes21
minutesTender and juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast seasoned with a homemade spice blend and finished with a rich layer of barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon olive oil
Barbecue sauce
Directions
- Combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half.
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and evenly drizzle the olive oil over the top.
- Pour the seasoning blend over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer, smooth side down.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and continue to air fry for another 6 minutes.
- Brush the chicken generously with barbecue sauce and air fry for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and verify the temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Because carryover cooking can vary, always verify that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F with an internal meat thermometer before serving.
Cooking time reflects the highest end of the ranges provided to ensure a thorough cook.
How to Know When It’s Done
The most reliable way to check if your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is finished is by using a digital meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Because carryover cooking can vary depending on the exact size and thickness of your chicken pieces, always verify the temperature before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Tips
Always start by placing the chicken breasts smooth side down for the first half of the cooking time. Flipping halfway through ensures that both sides develop a great texture and cook evenly. Apply the barbecue sauce only during the final few minutes of the cooking process; adding it too early can cause the sugars in the sauce to burn in the circulating heat of the air fryer.
