Cooking BBQ chicken in an air fryer can be a great option for those who enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken without the hassle of grilling or smoking. The air fryer allows you to achieve that delicious smoky taste, crispy skin, and tender meat, all in a fraction of the time. In this article, we will guide you through a deliciously easy recipe on how to cook BBQ chicken in an air fryer.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we will need to make this delightful BBQ chicken in an air fryer. For this recipe, you will require the following:
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken drumsticks or 2 bone-in chicken breasts
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Ensure that your chicken pieces are thawed if using frozen ones. It is important to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
Preparing the Chicken
To begin, pat dry the chicken pieces with a paper towel. Dry chicken will help the seasoning adhere better, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Next, in a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Take the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, but for best results, leave it in the refrigerator overnight to give the flavors a chance to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
Cooking Process
Now that the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up easier.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Remember not to overcrowd the basket as it may result in uneven cooking.
Cooking Time:
– For chicken drumsticks: Cook for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
– For bone-in chicken breasts: Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check if it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it does.
Applying the BBQ Sauce Glaze
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the next step. Now, generously brush each chicken piece with your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring that every nook and cranny is coated with the delicious glaze.
Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and place it in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This step will help caramelize the BBQ sauce, giving it a delightful sticky and sweet texture.
Serving and Enjoying the BBQ Chicken
After the chicken has spent a few minutes in the oven, it’s time to take it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
Serve your perfectly cooked BBQ chicken in an air fryer with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes. The smoky flavors and crispy skin will surely impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Conclusion
Cooking BBQ chicken in an air fryer is a fantastic alternative to grilling or smoking. Not only does it offer the convenience of faster cooking, but it also delivers equally delicious results. By following this easy recipe, you can achieve juicy, tender, and flavorful BBQ chicken every time you use your air fryer. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and indulge in a finger-licking BBQ feast without the fuss!