Make these easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs in minutes in your Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi, or Ninja Speedi!
If you liked the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe, you’ll love these BBQ-style thighs. They’re quick, simple, and pair well with many sides.
This recipe works in any unit with an air fry function — Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi, or Ninja Speedi — using the same straightforward steps.
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs?
Once the air fryer is preheated, cooking typically takes about 15–22 minutes depending on your model and the size of the thighs. Always check internal temperature for doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper temperature: bone-in, skin-on thighs are best cooked to about 175°F for tender meat and crispy skin; boneless, skinless thighs should reach 165°F.
Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?
You can line the air fryer with aluminum foil if desired, but fold the edges so hot air can still circulate. An alternative is air-fryer-safe parchment paper. With either option, place the paper or foil under the food so it stays weighed down and won’t blow around.
Should you use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs in the Air Fryer?
Bone-in, skin-on thighs develop a crispier, more textured skin similar to fried chicken. Boneless, skinless thighs cook faster and are leaner, with a different kind of crisp. Choose based on your texture preference and dietary needs — this recipe adapts to either.
Tips for Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Temperature can vary by appliance. For the Ninja Speedi we used 390°F; some Cosori models perform better at 400°F. Either way, set the temperature between 390–400°F and check the thighs while they cook to prevent overcooking.
Any barbecue sauce will work for glazing. Brush on sauce near the end of cooking and finish with a few minutes in the air fryer so it sets and caramelizes slightly.
Add this to your list of reliable air fryer chicken recipes — it’s fast, flavorful, and easy to adapt.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Chicken Thighs (Bone-In and Skin-On)
- 2 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Chili Pepper
- 1/2 Cup Barbecue Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 4 minutes. (If using a Cosori, preheat to 400°F.)
- In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, salt, ground pepper, paprika, and chili pepper.
- Unpack and place the chicken thighs on a plate or tray, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Coat the chicken thighs lightly with grapeseed oil, then sprinkle and gently rub the seasoning mix over them.
- Arrange the thighs in the air fryer basket without overcrowding so air can circulate around each piece.
- Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes. (If using a Cosori, use 400°F.)
- Flip the chicken and air fry for another 9 minutes.
- Brush barbecue sauce onto the thighs using a silicone brush while they remain in the air fryer, then air fry for an additional 4 minutes at the same temperature so the sauce sets.
- Confirm internal temperature: boneless should reach 165°F; bone-in is best at about 175°F. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 548 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 39 g
Sodium: 1099 mg
Tried this recipe?
Share your results and tag the recipe account if you post photos.
