Name: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving, if desired); Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and glazed with rich, tangy BBQ sauce-this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast is the very best way to crush those comfort food cravings in record time. Every bite is bursting with smoky-sweet flavor and irresistibly moist chicken.

With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a dinner that rivals any grilled BBQ chicken-without firing up the grill. It's unbelievably easy, foolproof, and perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you just want BBQ flavor fast!

This recipe was inspired by my love for summer cookouts and the convenience of the air fryer. It's been a longtime favorite in my home for its reliability and taste. Trust me: once you try it, you'll be adding it to your regular meal rotation.

Delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast with a glossy BBQ glaze

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Delivers juicy, tender chicken with minimal effort
Ready in under 30 minutes-so convenient for busy evenings
BBQ flavor without needing a grill
Uses just a handful of simple, pantry ingredients
Perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, and salads

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, offering lean protein that cooks perfectly in the air fryer. Choose breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. For extra juicy results, you can pound them to an even thickness. If preferred, chicken thighs can substitute-they'll be extra moist but may need a few minutes longer in the air fryer.

BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce gives this dish its classic smoky-sweet flavor and sticky glaze. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own for a fun twist. Spicy, smoky, or honey BBQ sauces all work great. For a lower sugar option, choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Olive Oil

A little olive oil locks in moisture and helps seasonings stick to the chicken. It also encourages browning in the air fryer. Avocado oil is an easy swap if that's what you have.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness and deeper color that boosts the BBQ vibes. If you can't find smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work, but the finished flavor will be a bit milder.

Garlic Powder

This simple seasoning adds a gentle savory note to the chicken. Granulated garlic is an acceptable substitute, or you can use onion powder for a slightly different flavor profile.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast cooking process

Instructions for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up and allows the seasoning to stick better. If needed, pound each piece to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking.

Season the Chicken

Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and rub to coat all sides. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.

Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken.

Brush with BBQ Sauce & Finish Cooking

Brush the tops of the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce. Air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized to your liking.

Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This juicy rest time locks in tenderness. Brush with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat? Stir some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into your seasoning mix or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick!

Gluten-Free Option

Most BBQ sauces contain gluten, but you can easily swap in a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this recipe 100 percent gluten-free.

Swap the Protein

This technique works beautifully with boneless, skinless thighs for a richer flavor or even with pork chops. Just adjust cooking time as needed for thickness.

Honey Mustard Twist

For a tangy change, use honey mustard sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a lighter, sweet-savory spin.

Low Sugar

Watching your sugar intake? Opt for a sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own using low-calorie sweeteners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast with creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes for a classic BBQ meal. It's also fantastic sliced over a fresh green salad, tucked into a wrap, or piled onto toasted buns for easy BBQ chicken sandwiches. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions for color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover BBQ chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave slices in 30-second bursts until warmed through, or place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: It's best to thaw chicken breasts completely before air frying for even cooking and best texture. If using frozen, add extra cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: What temperature should I use in my air fryer for this recipe?

A: 380°F (193°C) is ideal for juicy, fully cooked chicken with a caramelized BBQ topping.

Q: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

A: Don't overcook-use a thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature, and let the chicken rest after air frying to retain its juices.

Craving BBQ without the hassle? This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast is your ticket to a fast, flavor-packed meal-no grill (or stress) required! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments or by leaving a rating. I can't wait to hear how you serve yours!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 143 ratings