This air fryer BBQ chicken breast is juicy, tender, and perfectly caramelized with your favorite BBQ sauce, no grill needed. Ready in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep. Save this recipe for easy, flavorful air fryer BBQ chicken anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy (ready in 20–25 minutes)
- Juicy, tender, and smoky flavor
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
- Customizable with sweet, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauces
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
Optional garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Air fry – Place chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce – Brush chicken with BBQ sauce, then air fry for another 5–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F and sauce is caramelized.
- Rest and serve – Let chicken rest 2–3 minutes before slicing. Garnish if desired.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Paper towels
Tips & Variations
- Extra juicy: Pound chicken to even thickness before cooking
- Spicy BBQ: Mix sriracha or cayenne into the sauce
- Sweet twist: Add honey or maple syrup to BBQ sauce
- Meal prep: Store cooked chicken in airtight containers for 3–4 days
- Reheating: Reheat in air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–5 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice
- Pair with coleslaw or green salad
- Slice and use in sandwiches, wraps, or bowls
- Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – estimates)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 8 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 10 g
Conclusion
This air fryer BBQ chicken breast delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it’s a healthier alternative to pan-fried or grilled chicken. Save, print, or share this recipe for a fast BBQ dinner any night.
FAQ
Can I freeze cooked BBQ chicken breast?
Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat and brush with extra sauce before serving.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Cook chicken and store in the fridge; reheat and brush with fresh BBQ sauce before serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs are juicier and slightly shorter cooking time.
Do I need oil for this recipe?
No oil is required. The air fryer ensures juiciness and caramelization.
Why isn’t my BBQ sauce sticky?
Brush sauce in the last 5 minutes of cooking and avoid overcrowding the basket.