Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    236 kcal

  • Course

    Lunch

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

This recipe produces juicy, seasoned chicken breasts cooked in an air fryer and finished with a flavorful BBQ sauce glaze. The chicken is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then air fried until well cooked. After flipping, the chicken is coated with BBQ sauce and cooked further to set the glaze. Resting after cooking helps juices redistribute, resulting in tender meat. The method allows for versatile protein options and quick cooking with consistent results.

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.

I Made This!

1 person made this

Save this

5 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 medium chicken breast skinless and boneless
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • cup BBQ sauce I love Stubb’s sugar-free
  • avocado oil or olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fyrer to 360°F and lightly grease basket with olive oil or avocado spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and then use your hands to evenly season with the spices.
  4. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts with tongs and air fry for another 4 - 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and generously top with BBQ sauce.
  6. Return to air fryer and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. 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 Details
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%)

Nutrition 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.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)

BBQ Beef Sloppy Joes

American
5.0 (30 reviews)