Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
236 kcal
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Course
Lunch
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Cuisine
American, International
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts
Description
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts relies on seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to add a balanced smoky and savory flavor. The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly at 360°F, initially cooking for 10 minutes, flipping, and then cooking an additional 4-5 minutes to ensure thorough doneness.
The chicken is then removed, coated generously with BBQ sauce, and returned to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce without burning. The internal temperature is monitored to reach a safe 165°F, ensuring proper cooking. Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to settle, maintaining moisture.
While chicken breasts are the primary protein, this method adapts well to chicken tenders or thighs with adjusted cooking times. The result is a flavorful, tender main dish simple enough for weeknight meals or meal prep. Serving can be paired with sides like vegetables or grains.
Leftover chicken stores well refrigerated for several days and reheats quickly in the microwave. Proper spacing in the air fryer basket prevents overcrowding and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
- 3 medium chicken breast skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce I love Stubb’s sugar-free
- avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fyrer to 360°F and lightly grease basket with olive oil or avocado spray.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and then use your hands to evenly season with the spices.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts with tongs and air fry for another 4 - 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and generously top with BBQ sauce.
- Return to air fryer and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving!
Notes
- Use any BBQ sauce you prefer; Stubb's or Primal Kitchen are recommended options.
- Chicken tenders can be substituted; adjust cooking time to approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Chicken thighs can also be used; air fry for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy texture; cook in batches if needed.
- Store cooled cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 236kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1024mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 693mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 144IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.