If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s blissfully simple to make but packs a massive flavor punch, let me introduce you to Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi). We’re talking juicy, tender chicken with shatteringly crisp skin, kissed by a smoky spice rub and lacquered with a sweet-savory BBQ glaze. All this magic happens in about half an hour, thanks to the extraordinary powers of the Ninja Speedi. This recipe is the speedy weeknight hero you never knew you needed—and once you try it, it will stake a permanent claim in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) lies in a handful of staple ingredients that bring boldness, depth, and beautiful color to every bite. Each component plays a starring role—let’s break down exactly how these simple items help create an irresistibly delicious chicken feast.
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay wildly juicy and develop that perfect golden crunch in the air fryer.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the rub cling to the chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Garlic Powder: Punches up the savory backbone and infuses the meat with fragrant warmth.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the seasoning for beautifully balanced flavor throughout.
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky depth and gives the chicken that classic BBQ color and aroma.
- Salt: Heightens all the seasonings and locks in moisture for the juiciest result.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and gentle bite that keeps things lively.
- BBQ Sauce: The finishing touch—pick your favorite to slather a sticky, caramelized glaze on top!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkling at the end makes everything pop with fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)
Step 1: Preheat Your Ninja Speedi
You’ll want that air fryer basket nice and hot so the chicken starts sizzling the moment it hits. Set your Ninja Speedi to Air Fry mode at 390°F (200°C), and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the skin gets beautiful and crispy from the get-go.
Step 2: Pat Chicken Thighs Dry
Grab those chicken thighs and blot them with paper towels until they’re thoroughly dry. This removes excess moisture and is an absolute game changer for super-crisp skin. Don’t skip—it really does make all the difference!
Step 3: Mix Up the Seasoning Rub
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you have a fragrant, deep-red slurry. This rub is where Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) truly starts to come alive with flavor.
Step 4: Rub the Chicken Thighs
One by one, rub each chicken thigh all over with your seasoning blend. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated! As the thighs cook, this blend will meld into the skin and meat, turning each bite into a mouthwatering, crave-worthy experience.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken—Skin Side Down
Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down in the Ninja Speedi basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes to jumpstart that crispy magic on the underside. Resist crowding the basket so hot air can circulate and work its wonders evenly.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
Once the timer dings, flip the thighs over so the skin is on top. Continue air frying for another 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the internal temperature to hit 175°F and that skin to be practically crackling!
Step 7: Slather on the BBQ Sauce and Caramelize
Brush each thigh generously with your favorite BBQ sauce, then air fry for 2 to 3 more minutes. This last blast of heat caramelizes the glaze, turning it gloriously sticky and lacquered—that’s where the signature tang and shine of Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) comes in!
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Carefully transfer the thighs to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in all the juiciness. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley if you fancy a pop of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and a beautiful contrast to that sweet, sticky glaze. You could also try a sprinkle of chives, finely diced green onions, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving for layers of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Nothing sets off the bold flavors of Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) quite like classic BBQ sides: think cool, tangy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or sweet corn on the cob. Even a pile of warm, pillowy rolls is perfect for mopping up extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to dress things up? Try serving the chicken sliced over a fresh green salad with extra BBQ drizzle, tucked into toasted brioche buns for crowd-pleasing sliders, or paired with grilled veggies for a leaner, colorful plate. Party platter? Arrange the thighs on a rustic wooden board with pickles, slaw, and extra napkins for easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them cool to room temperature before storing to keep the texture just right, and be sure to save any leftover sauce for drizzling or dipping later!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these chicken thighs for future cravings. Wrap each cooled thigh individually in foil or parchment and stash in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date for easy grab-and-go meals down the line.
Reheating
For the best results, re-crisp cold chicken in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the skin revives its glorious crunch. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose out on that signature texture—if you’ve got a few minutes, the air fryer wins every time!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs in this recipe?
Definitely! If you opt for boneless thighs, simply reduce the cooking time to around 14 to 16 minutes total. You’ll still get juicy, flavor-packed results with a lovely caramelized glaze, though the bone-in version tends to be even juicier.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)?
The beauty is, you can use whatever BBQ sauce you love most! A classic smoky-sweet style is always a winner, but spicy or tangy varieties are delicious twists too. Pick what makes your taste buds happiest, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Do I need to flip the chicken while it cooks?
Yes—flipping the chicken thighs halfway through ensures both sides get that perfect crispy texture and even cook. It also helps the spice rub and skin develop flavor and color all around. Trust me, those few extra seconds are so worth it.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) as written are naturally gluten-free, as long as you check that your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Many popular brands offer gluten-free options—just peek at the label to double-check.
Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can swap in bone-in or boneless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust the cook time accordingly and always check the internal temperature (165°F for chicken breasts) to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Ready to try your new favorite weeknight dinner? Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) are juicy, crisp, and brimming with BBQ goodness—all in a fraction of the time it would take to fire up the grill. Give it a go, play around with the seasonings and sauces, and don’t forget to share with friends. I promise, once you taste that sticky, smoky magic, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs made in the Ninja Speedi are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep frying. The perfect weeknight dinner option that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the Ninja Speedi on Air Fry mode at 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the Air Fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F and the skin is crispy.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Brush the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce and cook for an extra 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve: Remove from the Air Fryer, let rest, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time to about 14–16 minutes total.
- You can use sugar-free BBQ sauce for a lower-sugar option.
- Great served with coleslaw, roasted veggies, or corn on the cob.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
