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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

4.34 from 6 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Crispy, juicy bone-in chicken thighs with a sticky homemade barbecue glaze, cooked in the air fryer in about 20 minutes. No grill required.

Ingredients 

Dry Rub

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Chicken

  • 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6)
  • Cooking spray

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon reserved dry rub

Instructions

  • Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Reserve 1 tablespoon for the sauce.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes and lightly spray the basket.
  • Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Rub the remaining seasoning over the chicken, working some under the skin.
  • Arrange the thighs skin side up in a single layer, without crowding. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Do not add sauce yet.
  • While the chicken cooks, whisk together the ketchup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, and the reserved 1 tablespoon of dry rub.
  • Brush the cooked thighs generously with barbecue sauce. Return to the air fryer skin side up and cook 2–3 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes. Watch closely — the sugar burns quickly.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • Cook times vary by air fryer brand and thigh size. Use an instant-read thermometer: 165°F is the safety minimum, 175°F is where thighs are most tender.
  • Boneless, skinless thighs: 380°F for 12–14 minutes, then sauce and finish 2–3 minutes.
  • Do not sauce at the start — barbecue sauce is high in sugar and scorches long before the chicken cooks through.
  • Skip parchment liners; they block airflow under the chicken.
  • Store up to 4 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen. Reheat at 350°F in the air fryer for 4–6 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 36gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 849mgPotassium: 761mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 791IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg