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Air fryer barbecue chicken thighs with glossy caramelized sauce on a white plate

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

Cook air fryer barbecue chicken by air frying the chicken first, then brushing on sauce in the final minutes for sticky caramelized results.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g Chicken thighs, boneless skinless
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/3 cup Barbecue sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F / 193°C for 3 minutes.
  2. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. Brush the barbecue sauce generously on both sides of the chicken and air fry for 4 to 6 more minutes until sticky, caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
  5. Rest for 3 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and the sauce set.