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Two chicken breasts on a cutting board with sauce.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 289kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Easy to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is the best quick fix for a protein-packed weeknight dinner! Chicken breasts are seasoned with a mouthwatering medley of spices before being air fried to juicy perfection. Oh, and you can't forget the BBQ sauce, of course!
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Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and, if necessary, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Set aside.
    2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    Two chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  • In a small bowl, stir the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and peppers together.
    ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    A white bowl filled with a mixture of spices.
  • Brush each chicken breast with oil, then evenly sprinkle the spice rub over both sides of each piece.
    ½ tablespoon olive oil
    Two chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  • Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick spray and place the chicken in a single layer inside.
    Two chicken breasts in an air fryer.
  • Cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature is between 160-165°F.
    Two chicken breasts in an air fryer.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on each piece.
    ½ cup barbecue sauce
    Two grilled chicken breasts on a cutting board.
  • Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
    Two chicken breasts in an air fryer.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving with more barbecue sauce, if desired.
    Bbq sliced chicken on a cutting board.

Video

Notes

Chicken Breasts: If using bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1448mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 554IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg