Easy BBQ Chicken Breast In The Air Fryer Recipe

Discover the ultimate convenience of making succulent BBQ chicken breast in the air fryer with this simple recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy, it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts alike.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about sinking your teeth into tender, juicy BBQ chicken breast. Especially when it’s been perfectly cooked in an air fryer. 

This convenient kitchen appliance has revolutionized the way we approach cooking. It offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing flavor or texture. 

Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for BBQ chicken breast in the air fryer – it’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds.

If you love air fryer chicken breast recipes you may want to try my Easy Blacked Air Fryer Chicken or my Healthy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BBQ CHICKEN BREAST IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Effortless Preparation: This recipe streamlines the process of making BBQ chicken breasts by utilizing the air fryer, resulting in minimal effort and maximum flavor.
2. Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the mouthwatering taste of traditional BBQ chicken without the guilt, as the air fryer requires little to no added oil for a lighter yet equally delicious meal.
3. Quick and Convenient: With the air fryer’s rapid cooking technology, you can have juicy, tender BBQ chicken breasts on the table in a fraction of the time it takes to grill or bake, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN RECIPE

You will need this full list of ingredients listed below to make this easy weeknight meal (the exact measurements, step-by-step instructions, and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Boneless chicken breast
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Favorite barbecue sauce
• Olive oil cooking spray
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for about 3-5 minutes.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub for the chicken breasts. Coat the chicken breasts evenly, making sure to rub it in well on all sides.
4. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping.
5. Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip them over using tongs and brush each breast generously with BBQ sauce.
6. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
7. Once the chicken breasts are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve your BBQ chicken breasts hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta salad, potato salad, coleslaw, or cornbread.

STORING THE LEFTOVER AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE

1. Allow to Cool: Let the leftover chicken breasts cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the chicken soggy.
2. Store Leftovers: Transfer the cooled chicken breasts to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container of BBQ chicken breasts in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, they will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
4. Reheat with Care: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently to preserve their juiciness. You can use the air fryer again, heating them at a lower temperature for a shorter time to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a low setting or reheat them in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep them moist.
5. Enjoy Creatively: Leftover BBQ chicken breasts are incredibly versatile! Use them to top salads, stuff them into sandwiches or wraps, chop them up for quesadillas or pizza toppings, or simply enjoy them alongside your favorite sides for a quick and satisfying meal.

FAQS

HOW CAN I USE A MEAT THERMOMETER TO ENSURE THE CHICKEN IS COOKED TO THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

CAN I PREPARE THE BARBECUE CHICKEN BREAST AHEAD OF TIME FOR MEAL PREP?

Yes, you can prepare BBQ chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE CHICKEN BREASTS ARE OF EVEN THICKNESS BEFORE COOKING?

Ensuring the chicken breasts are of even thickness helps them cook evenly, preventing overcooked or undercooked spots.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AIR FRYING CHICKEN?

Air frying offers the benefits of crispiness without the need for excess oil, resulting in a healthier, flavorful chicken breast.

WHY MIGHT THE COOK TIME VARY IN THIS BARBECUE CHICKEN RECIPE?

The cook time for BBQ chicken in the air fryer may vary due to factors such as the thickness of the chicken, differences in air fryer models, preheating time, quantity of chicken being cooked, BBQ sauce thickness, altitude, and individual air fryer performance.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You May Like To Try!

• Air Fryer Tortilla Garlic Bread
• Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Fries
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Bacon
• Air Fryer Chicken Sausages
• Tortilla Pizza In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Steak French Fries
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)

IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNER PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails