Air fryer chicken thighs are something I make at least once a week when I need a quick protein for dinner. This version uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a quick honey-garlic marinade and finished with your favorite BBQ sauce for juicy, tender results in under 30 minutes. An easy air fryer recipe that delivers every time.
Why You'll Love this BBQ Air Fryer Chicken:
- Quick & Easy: This BBQ chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using just a few simple pantry staples.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooked right in the air fryer. No splatter, no greasy pans, and barely any mess.
- Allergy-Friendly: Easily made gluten-free and dairy-free with the right BBQ sauce.
- Foolproof Results: Crispy edges, juicy center, and full of flavor every time.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicier than chicken breasts and quick to cook in the air fryer. Flatten them out in a single layer for even browning.
- Simple Marinade: A mix of olive oil, honey, garlic, and pantry spices adds flavor and helps lock in moisture while the chicken air fries.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy all work.
- Fresh parsley: An optional garnish, but adds a pop of color and brightness right before serving.
Dietary & Allergy-Friendly Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce. Many brands contain hidden gluten, so double-check the label!
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain butter or milk products. Check the ingredients to be sure.
- Low Carb / Refined Sugar-Free: Swap the honey for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup, and use a low-sugar or no-sugar BBQ sauce.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add chili powder or cayenne to the marinade, or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Sticky Garlic Soy: Skip the BBQ sauce and finish with a glaze of soy sauce, honey, and extra garlic.
- Sweet & Smoky Maple: Use maple syrup instead of honey and pair with a smoky BBQ sauce.
How to Make Easy BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
- Whisk the marinade and toss it with the chicken thighs.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce, flip, and brush again.
- Air fry 8–12 minutes more, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Add more BBQ sauce if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp reaches 165°F, don’t just go by time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the chicken room to brown and crisp up. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flatten the thighs out for even cooking. No folding or too much overlapping.
- Wash your tongs (and hands!) after handling raw chicken, especially before flipping.
- Adjust cook time if your basket is less full. Smaller batches may cook faster.
- Like it more charred? Reduce the number of thighs per batch and extend the second cook time by a minute or two if needed.
Leftovers & Storage:
- Storage: Store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the skin crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken thighs freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs:
BBQ chicken thighs pair perfectly with fresh salads, roasted veggies, or your favorite classic sides for a well-rounded meal.
- Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with Bacon & Cheddar
- Roasted Broccoli, Butternut Squash & White Bean Salad
- Creamy Bacon Corn Coleslaw with Lime Dressing
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it safe to cook raw chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is perfect for cooking raw chicken safely and quickly. Just make sure to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do you cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cook at 400°F for about 18–22 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
Can you put tin foil in the air fryer?
You can use foil, but be careful to not block air circulation. It’s best to line the basket loosely or use foil only under the food.
Should I wash my air fryer after cooking raw chicken?
Yes, clean your air fryer thoroughly after cooking raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
More 30 Minute Recipes You Will Love:
- Dill Pickle Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Easy Southern-Style Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich
- One-Pot Creamy Cajun Ravioli Pasta with Sausage & Peppers
- Classic Cheesy Tuna Casserole with Green Beans
Recipe
Easy BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Juicy, crispy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with a simple honey-garlic marinade and finished with BBQ sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large bowl, pour marinade over, and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, flattening them out. Cook in batches if needed.
- First air fry: Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce: Remove basket, brush chicken with BBQ sauce, flip thighs, and brush the other side.
- Second air fry: Air fry for another 8–12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is slightly charred.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Add extra BBQ sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temp of 165F.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to get crispy edges. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheated in the air fryer or oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 580mgSugar: 14g
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
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Must Love Garlic says
I make this one all of the time! Perfect for a quick main!