
BBQ chicken is a classic staple at picnics, backyard get-togethers and even as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a stand-alone main entree, tossed in a salad, or used as a pizza topping. You can use an air fryer to make BBQ chicken, which is a fun twist on the traditional method of grilling. This method makes the skin of the chicken extra crispy and the barbecue sauce keeps the chicken moist, balancing out the crunch of the skin perfectly.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or chicken thighs |
Chicken preparation | Pound chicken to make it even in size, and pat dry with a paper towel |
Oil | Olive oil, or cooking spray |
Seasoning | Garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, smoked paprika |
BBQ sauce | Any type of BBQ sauce, added towards the end of the cooking process |
Cooking time | 20-30 minutes |
Cooking temperature | 360°F-400°F |
Internal temperature | 165°F |
What You'll Learn
How long does it take to cook BBQ chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put BBQ sauce on chicken in an air fryer. In fact, it's a great way to make BBQ chicken with a crispy skin and a juicy inside.
The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces, the type of air fryer you are using, and whether the chicken is fresh or frozen. The range is anywhere from 7 to 20 minutes for chicken that is not frozen.
For example, if you are cooking thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts, it will take around 14 minutes in the air fryer. If you are cooking a whole chicken, it will take around 30 minutes at 360°F, and then an additional 12-22 minutes after you flip it.
Chicken breasts will take around 10-20 minutes, depending on their size. Small breasts (5-7 ounces) will take 7-10 minutes, medium breasts (8-10 ounces) will take 10-12 minutes, and large breasts (11 ounces or more) will take 12-16 minutes.
It's important to note that you should not cook the chicken with BBQ sauce for the entire duration. Only add the BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process, otherwise, the sauce will burn.
Additionally, it's recommended to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Tips for Cooking BBQ Chicken in an Air Fryer:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat at 165°F.
- Brining the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help improve its texture and flavor.
- Use a dry brine (sprinkling with salt) or a wet brine (saltwater solution) to help keep the chicken moist and enhance its flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F before adding the chicken.
- Use a high-heat oil, like avocado oil, or parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Different air fryers may require small adjustments in temperature and/or cook time, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in an air fryer. In fact, it is possible to cook frozen chicken breasts in an air fryer without any thawing necessary. This is a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts straight from frozen.
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F or 400°F for at least 4 minutes.
- Sprinkle each side of the frozen chicken breasts with salt.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the meat once halfway through.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and rub it with oil and your choice of spices.
- Put the chicken back in the air fryer and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken breasts. Smaller breasts will take around 20 minutes to cook, while larger breasts can take up to 30 minutes. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
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What type of chicken should I use?
When it comes to choosing the type of chicken to use in your air fryer, there are a few options to consider.
First, you can opt for boneless or bone-in chicken. Boneless chicken breasts are a popular choice for air fryer recipes as they cook more evenly and quickly. However, bone-in chicken pieces, such as drumsticks or thighs, can also be used and will result in juicier meat. If you do choose bone-in chicken, keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer.
Second, you have the option of using skin-on or skinless chicken. Skin-on chicken tends to be more flavourful and juicy, but skinless chicken is a healthier option and can still be delicious when seasoned and cooked properly.
Third, consider the size of the chicken pieces. For even cooking, it is best to use pieces that are similar in size. If you are using chicken breasts, look for ones that are thinner or slice larger breasts in half. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness, which will help ensure even cooking.
Finally, fresh or frozen chicken can be used in the air fryer. If using frozen chicken, be sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 to 5 hours before cooking. Then, let it come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before seasoning and cooking.
With these considerations in mind, you can choose the type of chicken that best suits your preferences and the specific recipe you are following.
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What barbecue sauce should I use?
When it comes to barbecue sauce, you can use your favourite store-bought sauce or make your own. If you're buying from a store, a Kansas City-style sauce is a good option.
You can choose any kind of sauce—make it sweet, spicy, or tangy. If you want to add some heat, you can also season the chicken with cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes, or opt for a hot barbecue sauce.
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How should I cook the chicken?
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- BBQ sauce
Method
- If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to make them as even as possible. This will ensure they cook more evenly.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Brush or spray the chicken breasts with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together your chosen seasonings. The exact spices and quantities you use are up to you, but a typical blend might include garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken, gently pressing it into the meat. Repeat on the other side.
- Brush or spray the basket of your air fryer with oil or cooking spray.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with the presentation side facing down.
- Heat at 360-390°F for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken. Place it back into the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes.
- Once the thickest part of the chicken reaches about 160°F, generously spread BBQ sauce over the top and sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken back in the air fryer for about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips
- If you are using an aerosol spray, check that it is safe for use in air fryers, as some are not recommended.
- You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken, but bear in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.
- For a smokier taste, switch regular paprika for smoked paprika.
- If you want to add extra heat to your chicken, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, or use a hot barbecue sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can put BBQ sauce on chicken in an air fryer. In fact, many recipes specifically for BBQ chicken in an air fryer recommend adding BBQ sauce to the chicken.
It is recommended that you add the BBQ sauce towards the end of the cooking process. Adding the sauce too early may cause it to burn.
You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like. You can opt for a store-bought option or make your own. Some recipes suggest a sweet BBQ sauce, while others recommend a spicy or tangy option.