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Suppose you can't eat a whole BBQ Chicken in one sitting. Then you have two options. The first option is to preserve the chicken whole. This will prevent drying out during reheating. Finding a pot large enough to hold a whole chicken would be difficult. So you need to wrap it tightly in plastic.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe second option is to cut the chicken into pieces. Then, keep those pieces of meat in an airtight container. These can be frozen for up to three months or refrigerated for up to five days. Personally, I prefer this option. Because the meat is sliced, we can heat it and eat it anytime.

BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer

If you are searching for simple but delicious meals, we must try this BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer. This is the simplest method for satisfying BBQ desires. Cooking BBQ chicken in an air fryer is fantastic as it is speedier and produces tasty and juicy results. No need to worry! It is simple, comes out perfectly moist, and requires very little effort.

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Simply place your whole chicken in an air fryer and let it work like magic! You will always receive delicate chickens with extremely crispy skins. I am happy to share my favorite recipe, which is simple, quick, and guaranteed to please your mouth and stomach.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The following recipe for BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer is ideal for those seeking a quick and tasty homemade meal.

This recipe is suitable for busy weekends, relaxed holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a fast and delicious meal.

The chicken in this recipe has a consistently smooth and moist texture, whereas the sauce adds a refreshingly tangy BBQ flavor that will leave you wanting more. If you prefer, you can replace the sauce with a dry rub.

The ingredients used in this recipe were all-natural and mostly pantry staples, making it a convenient option.

In addition, cooking in an air fryer results in less mess and a minimal cleanup time.

This air fryer recipe produces BBQ-like results without using a grill.

What Equipment Is Needed For Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer – An air fryer is a must-have in this recipe. This recipe will work in any air fryer; however, the timing may need to be adjusted to obtain optimal results. In addition, depending on the capacity, one may need to multiply and execute it in batches. If your air fryer is large, you may need to raise the temperature or cooking time, and vice versa for small air fryers.

Cooking Thermometer/Meat Thermometer: Use this to ensure that the BBQ chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature. This allows you to protect yourself and loved ones from foodborne illnesses.

The Essential Ingredients are as follows:

Here is everything you will need to make your entire chicken taste delicious!

Whole Chicken: You will need chicken. The size of the chicken depends on the size of the air fryer basket. I recommend starting with a 3-pound chicken and increasing it the next time if you think it is too big.

Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil.

BBQ Sauce: 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand or self-made).

Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika.

Salt: 2 tablespoons of kosher salt.

Pepper: 1 tsp pure black pepper.

Lemon: 1 lemon.

Spices: I make a spice paste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. This spice paste helps to make a delicious chicken rub. So it would be best if you used spice paste. Other spices include Italian, lemon pepper, Creole, Cajun, and Greek. You can use whatever spices you like!

Follow the steps for making BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer:

Step 1 -To start, you will need a 3-pound chicken. Then, the insides of the chicken should be removed. Clean and rinse it well with cold water and vinegar. Place the chicken on a cutting board. Then, dry the whole chicken well with tissue or a clean cloth.

Step 2 – In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients (1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper,1 cup BBQ sauce, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil) to make seasoning paste.

Step 3 – Apply the spice mixture to the entire chicken, including the interior space.

Step 4 – Spray a little cooking oil in the air fryer basket. (optional).

Step 5 – Put the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. And cook it at 375°F for around 25 minutes. Once that’s done, give the chicken a generous brush of your favorite BBQ sauce. Flip it over, and cook for another 25 minutes with the breast side up.

Step 6 – Use a cooking thermometer. Check it on the thickest part of the chicken breast. Then make sure it reaches 375°F.

Step 7 – After it reaches 375°, turn off the air fryer. Next, take out the chicken. Move to a sizable platter or chopping board. Keep in mind that big plates or cutting boards need to be dry.

Step 8 – Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Next, pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Serve with roasted garlic and lemon on the side. You can serve it in your preferred style. If all goes according to plan, the BBQ chicken in air fryer should look perfect.

Alternative Way For BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer

Marinating Method:

My BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer recipe is how to make BBQ Chicken in no time. You can also make BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer through the marinating method. Marinate is not necessary, though. But if you have a lot of time on your hands, then you can use this method. The use of this method doubles the BBQ flavor even more.

Here’s a marinating method:

Put the seasoned chicken into a box or resealable plastic bag.

Pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken. Make sure the sauce is well spread.

Tightly close the box or seal the bag. For a richer flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Serve and Enjoy:

You have various options for serving. I have some serving advice for you! Add some herbs to the BBQ chicken and serve it hot. Serve it with cornbread, potato salad, or coleslaw as traditional BBQ sides.

To make the dish lighter, pair the chicken with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. They are quick and easy to create. While the chicken is air-frying, you can prepare these.

Different Parts of Chicken for BBQ:

Don’t worry about what to cook with different chicken parts. Barbecue is a great option that doesn’t take much time. Each chicken cut offers a unique texture, flavor, and culinary experience.

It’s crucial to choose the right one for your barbecue. Whether it’s juicy thighs, tender breasts, flavorful drumsticks, or crispy wings, each cut has its characteristics to increase your barbecue taste.

Here’s a definitive guide to the different types of chicken parts you can use for BBQ. It also includes preparation and cooking tips.

1. Chicken Thighs: Known for their delicious, juicy taste and tender consistency, they are easy to cook due to their high-fat content.

Preparation tips – Use bone-in, skin-on meat for the best flavor and texture. Thighs absorb marinades well, especially when marinated overnight.

Cooking tips:

Grill/Smoke – Cook the food over medium heat on the grill or smoker, stirring occasionally.

Air Frying – Set the air fryer’s temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook it for 20 to 25 minutes.

2. Chicken Drumsticks: Dark meat is tasty and moist, perfect for informal meals, and easy to eat.

Preparation Tips – Let it marinate for half an hour to an hour. Add some pepper and salt or a dry rub for seasoning.

Cooking Tips:

Grill/Smoke – Cook on the grill or in a smoker over medium-high heat until the inside reaches 165°F.

Air Frying – Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 20 minutes.

3. Chicken Wings: It has crispy skin and tender meat, and it’s great for parties and gatherings because of its small size.

Preparation Tips –

1. Season the food by marinating or coating it with a dry rub.

2. Apply BBQ sauce to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips:

Grill/Smoke – For grilling or smoking, cook the food over medium heat and turn it frequently.

Air Frying – If air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20-25 minutes.

4. Chicken Breasts: This is lean and healthy, making it perfect for lighter BBQs. However, it’s important to cook it properly as it can easily dry out if not done so.

Preparation Tips: Add oil, vinegar, and spices to marinate. Breasts should be butterfly-shaped for proper cooking.

Cooking Tips:

Grill/Smoke – Cook or smoke over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Air Frying – For fifteen to twenty-five minutes, air fry at 375°F.

5. Chicken Quarters: Consists of thigh and drumstick, providing flavor and moisture.

Preparation tips:

Marinate for a minimum of two hours, but better to let it overnight. To improve the penetration of the marinade, gently slice the skin and flesh.

Cooking tips:

Grill/Smoke – over medium heat until 165°F is reached inside.

Air Frying – Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes, turning the meals after a half hour.

Tips for Cooking the Best BBQ Chicken:

Temperature: Make sure always to use a meat thermometer. It helps to confirm that the chicken is cooked to the right internal temperature.

Resting: After cooking, the chicken needs to rest for a few minutes. It helps to allow the juices to redistribute.

Saucing: End of the cooking process, apply BBQ sauce. It prevents burning.

FAQ About BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer

How do I store leftovers?

Suppose you can’t eat a whole BBQ Chicken in one sitting. Then you have two options. The first option is to preserve the chicken whole. This will prevent drying out during reheating. Finding a pot large enough to hold a whole chicken would be difficult. So you need to wrap it tightly in plastic.

The second option is to cut the chicken into pieces. Then, keep those pieces of meat in an airtight container. These can be frozen for up to three months or refrigerated for up to five days. Personally, I prefer this option. Because the meat is sliced, we can heat it and eat it anytime.

What’s the best method to air fry a chicken?

The best way to air fry a whole chicken is to first place the chicken breast side down. This will help the liquids keep the lean, dry areas of the chicken moist. When you cook the chicken breast in the air fryer first, it can end up getting dry.

How many servings does this recipe make?

The recipe is suitable to serve between 4 to 5 individuals. The portion size may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the appetite of the diners.

Are air fryers healthy?

Air-frying is considered healthier than oil-frying in most situations. It cuts calories from 70% to 80% and has much less fat. This cooking method might also cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying.

Cooking BBQ chicken in the air fryer is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite. It’s a great option even if you don’t have access to a grill. The air fryer can make the chicken crispy and juicy in no time. This is super handy in any kitchen. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout, this recipe is bound to be a hit.

Just follow these steps and tips. You’ll be able to make BBQ chicken that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. Plus, it will be oh-so-crunchy. So, let’s fire up the air fryer. Prepare for a delicious BBQ chicken feast that’ll soon be a family favorite.

Happy cooking, and savor every single bite!