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air fryer bbq chicken thighs on a white platter next to bowl of bbq sauce
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5 from 2 votes

BBQ Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy and slathered with an easy no-cook BBQ sauce that chars to perfection right in your air fryer. Easy recipe for a 30-minute dinner you can make without firing up the grill or turning on the oven. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 209kcal
Author: Cara Lanz

Ingredients

For the No Cook BBQ Sauce

  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or any type of mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1 dash hot sauce, optional
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper

For the BBQ Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 to 2 ½ pounds
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Make the No Cook BBQ Sauce

  • In a small bowl, stir together all of the BBQ sauce ingredients until completely combined.

Make the BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
    Stir the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together and sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. For easy clean-up, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 7 minutes.
  • Brush ¼ cup sauce on the chicken thighs. Flip them over and brush the other side with ¼ cup sauce.
    Air fry for 7-9 more minutes or to an internal temperature of at least 165. Take it up to 175-195 for the most flavorful, juicy chicken.
  • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Notes

BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS. Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes. Brush with sauce and air fry for 5 more minutes. Flip the chicken over, brush the skin side with sauce and air fry for 5 more minutes or to an internal temperature of at least 165 and up to 175-195.
TIPS: 
  • Cook chicken thighs to an internal temperature of at least 165. It will be the most flavorful and still juicy at 175-195. 
  • Check for doneness early, especially if you have smaller pieces of chicken. ​
  • ​Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your air fryer. I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer.  
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow the air to circulate around the chicken and cook it evenly. 
  • For crispy skin in the air fryer, finish with the skin-side up.  

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 479mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg