Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

Five BBQ chicken breasts on a white plate.

5 from 24 votes

This air fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe takes the sweet and tangy classic to the next level. First, the chicken is seasoned and air-fried until tender and juicy. Then, it's slathered with BBQ sauce and air-fried again until caramelized. It's quick, easy, and so delicious.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer bbq chicken breast, air fryer chicken, air fryer chicken breasts, barbecue chicken, barbecue chicken breast, BBQ chicken, bbq chicken breast

Servings:

Calories: 336kcal

Author: Nicole Kendrick

Equipment

Ingredients

5 Springer Mountain Farms chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees.
Mix the seasonings in a small bowl. Then, add the olive oil and mix until a paste is formed. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Place the chicken top side down in the air fryer basket. Then, cook at 370 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip and cook for four more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Remove the chicken breasts and brush them with BBQ sauce. Then, air fry for an additional minute or two until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Video

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Wrap individual breasts in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat the chicken, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, microwave individual portions at 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Tips

I recommend preheating your air fryer for even cooking and accurate cooking times. It only takes about five minutes, so there's no reason not to.
When rinsing your chicken, place it in a colander in the bottom of the sink and use a gentle stream of water. This helps prevent splashing and the spread of bacteria. Wash your sink and counters immediately after rinsing your chicken.
I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
When air-frying the chicken for the second time, check it after a minute or two to ensure it's caramelized but not burned. It's easy to go too far accidentally!

Nutrition