Easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe
Today, I want to introduce you to my secret weapon for the most delicious BBQ chicken: the air fryer! Trust me, once you try tender chicken breasts coated in tangy BBQ sauce and cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer, there’s no turning back. I’ve been hooked ever since I discovered this technique, and now it’s time for you to join the club too! The air fryer’s powerful hot air circulation ensures even cooking and seals in the juices, resulting in unbelievably flavorful and moist chicken breasts every time. And let’s not forget about the convenience it offers! The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, eliminates the need for oil, and makes cleanup a breeze. This means you’ll have more time to prepare some tasty side dishes like potato salad, corn on the cob, and coleslaw to complement the delicious BBQ chicken!
Chicken Breasts – You’ll need some boneless skinless chicken breasts. This recipe was not designed to use bone-in or skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. But you can check out this air fryer chicken thighs recipe! Seasonings – Salt and black pepper are used to season the chicken. BBQ Sauce – You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce to glaze the chicken. Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides a touch of acidity and adds a subtle tanginess to the BBQ sauce. Rice vinegar is a good substitute. Honey – Adds a bit of natural sweetness to the BBQ sauce. You can also use maple syrup or agave. Worcestershire Sauce – This umami-packed sauce provides depth. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce. Dijon Mustard – Helps to balance the sweetness. If needed, you can use yellow mustard as a substitute. Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky undertone to the BBQ sauce, which elevates the taste of the chicken. Cayenne Pepper – This optional ingredient adds a touch of spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your preferred level of heat.
The beauty of this delicious recipe lies in its simplicity! With just a few easy steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up mouthwatering BBQ chicken that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Before you begin, you need to preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). However, whether or not you need to preheat really depends on your particular air fryer. So you will need to check the manufacturer’s guide for your model. While your air fryer is preheating, you can begin the recipe by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Make sure to coat the entire breast for the most flavorful chicken. Next, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This yummy mixture infuses the chicken with delicious BBQ flavor. First, spray your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Then place the seasoned breasts in a single layer in the basket. It’s very important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking. Place the basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the chicken breasts for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. You also need to brush the BBQ sauce mixture on both sides of the chicken during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. When done, the internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital meat thermometer. Once the chicken is done cooking, remove the breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, which keeps the meat moist and tender. Then serve your BBQ chicken with all your favorite sides and enjoy!
Storage
You can store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, put the chicken in the microwave for a few minutes on medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes. However, if the chicken is frozen you’ll need to let it thaw out overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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