Make flavorful and juicy BBQ chicken thighs in air fryer in under 30 minutes. They're tasty, affordable, and can be paired with your choice of sides. You'll get three yummy thighs garnished with green onions.

Chicken thighs are awesome. They might have more fat than breasts, but they're still healthy. Plus, they're budget-friendly. The key is cooking them the right way. Even if you cook them a bit too long, they remain juicy unlike chicken breasts.

bbq chicken thighs cooked in air fryer on a white plate

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How to make air fryer BBQ chicken thighs

Initial Preparations: Begin by acquiring fresh chicken thighs. While some may deem rinsing optional, a quick wash under cold water can cleanse any residual impurities. Ensure you sanitize your sink afterward.
Seasoning: Gently pat the thighs dry using paper towels. For the marinade, combine salt, pepper, and your preferred BBQ sauce in a mixing bowl. For an elevated taste experience, spread the sauce beneath the skin too.
Arranging in the Air Fryer: Gently place the seasoned thighs into the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding; there should be ample space for air circulation to guarantee uniform cooking.
Cooking: Set your timer for roughly 15 minutes. Midway, baste the thighs with an additional layer of BBQ sauce. Subsequent to the initial 15 minutes, continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, keeping in mind that thicker thighs demand a bit more time. Always rely on an internal thermometer to ensure thorough cooking. A safe internal temperature is 165°F. However, if you're bereft of one, dissect the meat near the bone; the absence of pink indicates readiness.
Final Garnishing: Before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a delightful contrast in flavors and visuals.

Recipe ingredients

3 Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are the portion of meat cut from the upper part of a chicken's leg, right above the drumstick. They're known for their richer, juicier taste compared to other parts of the chicken, like the breast. The dark meat also contains slightly more fat, which contributes to its flavor.
⅓ cup BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is a flavorful condiment made from ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. It's tangy, sweet, sometimes spicy, and is often used as a marinade or glaze for grilled and roasted meats, particularly chicken and pork. Its thickness and flavor can vary by brand or region.
½ teaspoon Salt: Salt, usually referring to table salt, is a white crystalline substance primarily composed of sodium chloride. It's essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of food. In addition to its culinary uses, it plays a role in preserving foods.
½ teaspoon Black Pepper: Black pepper is derived from the dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant. It's usually ground into a fine powder that's dark grayish-black in color. It adds a mild heat and earthy spiciness to dishes, enhancing depth and complexity of flavors.

marinated poultry pieces in black basket

Choose the right chicken

It's commonplace to find frozen or previously frozen chicken in large supermarkets. A crucial aspect of selection revolves around the weight. If the chicken or its parts seem excessively bulky, it's indicative of artificial enhancements or excessive water content.

Consider opting for locally-sourced, chilled chicken thighs, which usually have a more authentic flavor profile and less fat. However, having some supermarket chicken in your refrigerator is always handy for those unforeseen culinary emergencies.

blackened bbq chicken thighs in air fryer with chopped green onions on top

Expert tips and notes

Thighs vary in size so if you are not sure, always check the internal temperature. It has to be at least 165 for a cooked bird. Stay away from the bone though when checking.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air fryer needs space for the hot air to properly circulate.
Do not overcook the chicken. It will become dry and chewy when overcook. Watch the internal temperature.
You can easily make air fryer skinless chicken thighs. Just remover the skin and cover thighs with BBQ sauce.
Use BBQ sauce of your choice. It can be traditional American BBQ sauce or try to make this chicken recipe with Korean BBQ sauce. Korean is a bit more runny so might be hard to apply it on the chicken.
Seasoning. Season chicken to your liking. Add smoked paprika or garlic powder for flavor boost! Or keep it simple like in this recipe, delicious either way.
If using boneless chicken thighs reduce cooking time because they will cook faster.

Storage suggestions

After allowing the chicken to cool to room temperature for no longer than two hours, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it securely in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To ensure the chicken remains moist, it's a good idea to lightly brush it with some oil or leftover sauce. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken in the fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even heating.

Heat for 3-4 minutes, then check for warmth. If necessary, heat for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and retains its juiciness.

air fryer bbq chicken thighs with chopped green onions on top

Side dishes

You can pair so many side dishes with this air fryer BBQ chicken thighs! Chicken goes so well with almost everything.

Vegetables and Salads:
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until they're caramelized.
- Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with butter and topped with toasted almonds.
- Brussels Sprouts: Halved and roasted with bacon bits or simply drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage and carrots in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing.
Starches:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream. Add roasted garlic for an extra kick.
- Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice cooked with broth and mixed with sautéed onions and bell peppers.
- Quinoa Salad: A healthy grain salad with chopped veggies, feta, and a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cubed or whole sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon or paprika.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A classic creamy and cheesy pasta dish.

Recipe