Imagine sinking your teeth into the most incredibly juicy, smoky BBQ chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside - without the hassle of firing up the grill! This air fryer recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner game, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, these BBQ chicken thighs will become your new go-to dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, ensuring even coating on both sides of the meat.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment.
- Arrange chicken thighs in air fryer basket skin-side down, ensuring they are not overlapping for proper air circulation.
- Cook for 12-13 minutes, then carefully flip chicken thighs using tongs.
- Brush generously with BBQ sauce on both sides, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Continue cooking for additional 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Optional: Brush with additional BBQ sauce before serving for extra flavor and shine.
- Serve hot and enjoy your juicy, smoky BBQ chicken thighs.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: Pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to achieve that irresistible crispy skin.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with your spices! Generously coat the chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer without overlapping to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Rest Your Meat: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Extra Flavor Hack: For an additional flavor boost, brush with extra BBQ sauce just before serving for a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
