Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

This air fryer barbecue chicken has got to be the easiest (and tastiest) ever! BBQ chicken thighs and drumsticks - sticky, smoky, full of flavour and so juicy inside. It’s the perfect option when you’re craving barbecue food – without firing up the barbecue!

Why I love making air fried bbq chicken

I’m a big fan of barbecue flavour but not always a fan of dragging out the grill (especially midweek). But with the air fryer, I can get the BBQ taste without standing outside in questionable weather. Chicken thighs and drumsticks are perfect for this - they stay juicy and crisp up beautifully.

What to serve with barbecue chicken

You can serve these BBQ chicken thighs and drumsticks with your other favorite barbecue foods. For vegetarians and vegans who don't partake in chicken, you could air fry Beyond Burgers. Or for pescatarians, serve an air-fried salmon. There are lots of options for tasty side dishes, too! A classic option is French fries, sweet potato fries or try sweet potato wedges. Or fr a different potato side, try air fryer sliced potatoes. You could also whip up an easy side of mozzarella sticks or halloumi fries.

Options for bbq sauce (easy, or very easy)

I made my own barbeque sauce for this recipe but for an even quicker barbecue chicken dinner, you can use a ready-made bottle version. Or even buy chicken pre-prepared with its own marinade from the butcher or supermarket.

Why air fried bbq chicken is so good!

The air fryer gives you the best of both worlds: crispy, blackened skin without drying out the meat. It locks in all the juiciness while making that BBQ sauce caramelise into a sticky glaze. Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven or deal with the grill. Just pop it in, let the air fryer do its thing, and boom - BBQ perfection.

Why'll you love this recipe!

• So juicy inside, with crispy, golden skin
• Coated in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze
• No need to marinate (but you can!)
• Quicker and cleaner than oven or grill
• Big on flavour with barely any effort

Note: When I make this barbeque chicken, I add the sauce at the beginning. This results in chicken that with blackened, slightly caramelised bits, just like you get on a bbq. If you prefer your chicken less caramelised, just add the sauce for the second half of the cooking process.

What you’ll need for air fryer bbq chicken

For the chicken

4–6 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on

For the barbecue sauce

½ cup tomato ketchup

2 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon chili flakes

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Pastry brush or spoon

How to make air fryer barbecue chicken

How long to cook air fryer barbecue chicken thighs and drumsticks

Chicken thighs and drumsticks take about 20–25 minutes at 360°F (180°C) in the air fryer. Flip halfway through, using silicone tongs, for best results. Check the thickest part of the meat before serving to ensure it is fully cooked all the way through. The juices should run clear. If using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each piece room to crisp up.
• Resting after cooking helps juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
• I put the barbecue sauce on before cooking and the chicken turned out beautifully. However, if you’re worried about the sauce burning in the air fryer before the chicken is cooked (which can sometimes happen with sweet sauces), you can add the barbecue sauce for the second half of the cooking time. Just pour it over the chicken pieces, or paint it on using a pastry brush.

Alternatives/Substitutions

• Swap thighs/drumsticks for chicken wings or bone-in breasts (adjust timing).
• Want less spice? Simply leave out or reduce the chili flakes.
• Try different BBQ sauces—sweet, smoky, spicy, or even fruity ones.
• Use a dry rub instead of sauce for a grilled-style finish.
• Try barbecue sauces with other meats like pork.

Reheating/Storage

It’s not likely that you’ll have leftovers when making barbecue chicken air fryer style. But if you do, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating barbecue chicken

Reheat in the air fryer at 340°F (170°C) for 6 –8 minutes, brushing with more sauce if needed.

How to freeze cooked barbecue chicken

You can also freeze cooked chicken—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. To maximize its quality and shelf life, it's best to freeze it within 2 hours of cooking, after it has been cooled down to room temperature. Proper storage in airtight containers or freezer bags will help prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor for up to 3-4 months. 

How to freeze uncooked chicken with barbecue sauce

You can also freeze the uncooked chicken in its barbecue sauce

For optimal quality, use freezer-safe packaging like freezer bags or containers, and aim to use the chicken within 6-8 months of freezing. 

Here’s some more information about freezing raw chicken:

Safety:

Freezing raw chicken is safe for both quality and safety. The cold temperatures stop the growth of bacteria, extending its shelf life. 

Quality:

Freezing raw chicken will preserve its flavor and texture for several months. However, prolonged freezing can lead to freezer burn, causing dehydration and a loss of quality. 

Packaging:

Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Consider using a vacuum sealer for even better preservation. 

Thawing:

When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water. 

Marinating:

Freezing chicken in marinade is also safe. The marinating process is paused during freezing, and the flavors will continue to develop when the chicken thaws.