Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

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Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized, these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners. With a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze and crispy skin, they’re ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for pairing with salads, roasted veggies, or your favorite sides.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Season Chicken:
    • In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub olive oil all over.
    • Evenly coat the chicken with the spice mixture.
  3. Air Fry the Chicken:
    • Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, skin side down.
    • Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12 minutes.
    • Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 10 minutes.
  4. Add BBQ Sauce:
    • Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce.
    • Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  5. Check Doneness:
    • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a garden salad.
  • Pair with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
See also  Mojo Potatoes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 21g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Tips and Notes:

  • Crispier Skin: Pat the chicken thighs very dry before seasoning for extra crispy skin.
  • Even Cooking: Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overlapping in the air fryer basket.
  • BBQ Sauce Tip: For a smoky flavor, use a hickory-smoked BBQ sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes.

Benefits:

  • High Protein: Great for muscle building and recovery.
  • Low Carb: Suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
  • Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Q&A:

  • Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
    Yes, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
  • Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?
    Yes, but adjust the cooking time since chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily.
  • Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
    It’s better to thaw them first for even cooking and proper seasoning adherence.
  • What if I don’t have an air fryer?
    You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 30-35 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

Enjoy these deliciously smoky and juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs!

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