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.
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.
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!
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)
Instructions
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1Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound to even thickness if needed.
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2Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil. Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Season chicken evenly on all sides.
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3Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
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4Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
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5Flip chicken breasts, brush tops with BBQ sauce, and cook 6-8 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce is caramelized.
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6Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice, brush with more BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
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