Air Fryer BBQ Chicken (Healthy, Juicy, 20 Minutes!)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
6
-
Calories
176 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken (Healthy, Juicy, 20 Minutes!)
Description
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken relies on boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are butterflied and halved to ensure even cooking. Seasoned thoroughly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, the chicken is cooked in an air fryer preheated to 350°F. Cooking times total about 8 to 9 minutes for the two sides, followed by a short brush of barbecue sauce and finishing cook time to caramelize the sauce.
This technique delivers chicken breasts that remain juicy due to careful temperature control and resting after cooking. The seasoning lends a savory, slightly smoky flavor that works well with the tangy barbecue sauce finishing touch. Resting the chicken before slicing ensures the juices redistribute and the meat stays moist.
You can customize this dish by using your preferred BBQ sauce or variations such as buffalo or teriyaki. Checking the internal temperature and allowing carryover cooking prevents dryness, making this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners when you want grilled flavors without the grill.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken breast ~3 large breasts, boneless, skinless
- cooking spray or olive oil
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce I used G Hugh’s sugar free, 80g
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness if needed. Then go to butterfly chicken, but cut in half completely down the middle to make two thinner breasts from each breast (i.e. my 3 large breasts made 6 breasts).
- Spray both sides of the chicken with cooking spray. Then season both sides with the seasoning mix, pressing down with your fingers to get it to stay on.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with cooking spray and add the chicken in a single layer so it’s not overlapping (you may have to do a couple of batches). Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Brush chicken with BBQ sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes or internal temp is 155F (carryover cooking will ensure chicken reaches 165F).
- Transfer chicken to a plate or cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting (this will help keep it juicy). Serve with more BBQ sauce if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to reduce uneven cooking and drying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary to promote even cooking.
- Flatten chicken breasts to uniform thickness to ensure even doneness.
- Remove chicken when internal temperature reaches 155°F; resting raises it to the safe 165°F and keeps meat moist.
- Cooking times may vary by air fryer model; check doneness with a thermometer for best results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 176 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of chicken (149g) | |
| Calories | 176kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9g | 5% |
| Sugar | -4g | -8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
