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–+ servings
3 bbq chicken thighs on a white plate with a white and black plaid dish towel underneath.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Perfectly crispy and juicy BBQ chicken thighs, made with only two ingredients in 30 minutes.
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 3 chicken thighs

Equipment

  • Air Fryer If using Ninja Foodi, use the Cook & Crisp Basket & attached Crisping Lid
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Basting Brush
  • Measuring Cup (¼ cup)
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on)
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra, if you want to add a generous coating after the chicken is cooked)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
  • Pat 3-4 (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs dry. Place chicken skin-down in the crisping basket with space between each thigh so the the air can circulate allowing each thigh to crisp.
  • After 10 minutes, flip the chicken skin-side-up. Close lid and air frying will continue.
  • After another 8 minutes (18 total), liberally brush barbecue sauce on both sides of the chicken, and set chicken thighs back in the basket skin-side-up.
  • Cook chicken thighs with barbecue sauce for a final 7-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check chicken for doneness (thickest part of chicken should have an internal temperature of 165℉).
  • Option: Add extra barbecue sauce to taste.
  • Allow chicken to rest for five minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Cook times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size and thickness of your chicken. Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, measured with a meat thermometer.
For gluten-free BBQ chicken thighs, double-check your BBQ sauce label to confirm it is gluten-free.
 
Keyword Air Fryer Chicken, BBQ chicken, Bone-In Chicken Thighs, Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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