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If you’re craving tender, juicy chicken thighs with that irresistible smoky-sweet glaze, you’re going to love this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe. It’s a simple but spectacular way to whip up restaurant-quality barbecue right at home, using the Ninja Speedi air fryer to get that perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Each bite delivers a punch of spice and sweetness, making it a total crowd-pleaser any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Every spice and sauce plays a role in building the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy notes that make these chicken thighs shine.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide the juicy, tender meat and crispy skin that’s essential to great BBQ chicken.
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy, golden skin without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall seasoning profile.
- 1 tsp paprika: Contributes vibrant color and a mild smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness for balance.
- ½ tsp chili powder: Brings a mild kick and complexity to the seasoning rub.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce: Your favorite brand to add that irresistible sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Ninja Speedi
Start by setting your Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for 4 minutes. This step ensures the cooking environment is hot and ready to crisp up the chicken skin beautifully from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Blend the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. This vibrant mix is the foundation for the unforgettable flavor that will coat your chicken thighs.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture — this helps the skin get extra crispy. Then, brush each thigh evenly with grapeseed oil, which is perfect for high-heat cooking without burning.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Generously coat each thigh with the seasoning mixture, making sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Begin Air Frying Skin Side Down
Arrange the thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them—space is key for proper air circulation and crispiness. Cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes to start rendering the fat and crisping the skin.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up and air fry for another 9 minutes. This step finishes cooking the meat through while maintaining that crispy skin texture you crave.
Step 7: Add BBQ Sauce and Finish Cooking
Brush each thigh with a generous layer of your favorite barbecue sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize into a sticky, flavorful glaze and ensures the internal temperature reaches a safe and juicy 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to seal in all those delicious juices, then it’s ready to serve hot!
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that cuts through the richness of the BBQ glaze beautifully. For a touch of zest, a little squeeze of lemon or lime brightens up each bite perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or grilled vegetables are ideal partners. For a healthier twist, pair your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe with a crisp garden salad or roasted sweet potato wedges for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or tossed into a vibrant salad with avocado and black beans for a BBQ chicken bowl. Alternatively, shred the leftovers for homemade BBQ chicken sandwiches piled high on toasted buns, perfect for casual lunches or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making your next meal just a heat-up away.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked and cooled chicken thighs individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain moisture and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until the skin crisps back up and the chicken is warmed through. This method keeps the chicken tasting fresh and delicious, just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs work well, but cooking times will be shorter, so check for doneness earlier to avoid drying out the meat.
What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?
You can substitute grapeseed oil with canola or vegetable oil, both have high smoke points suitable for air frying without compromising flavor.
Is the barbecue sauce added before or after cooking?
The BBQ sauce is brushed on towards the end of cooking, then air fried briefly to caramelize the sauce and lock in sticky, saucy goodness.
Can I make this recipe without the Ninja Speedi air fryer?
While this recipe is tailored for the Ninja Speedi, you can adapt it to other air fryers with similar temperature settings and cooking times, just keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 175 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption, and the meat should be tender and juices run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making the perfect batch of Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe at home. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and tangy barbecue glaze combine in a way that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your table with smiles. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite you turn to again and again when you want a hassle-free, flavorful meal.
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs cooked in the Ninja Speedi, seasoned with a blend of spices and finished with a caramelized barbecue sauce glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers juicy chicken with a smoky, spicy kick and crispy skin perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the Ninja Speedi to 390°F and preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder thoroughly for the spice rub.
- Dry Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the oil and seasoning adhere better and promote crispiness.
- Oil the Chicken: Brush each chicken thigh with grapeseed oil evenly to aid in browning during cooking.
- Apply Seasoning: Coat each chicken thigh completely with the prepared seasoning mix on all sides for bold flavor.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding for proper air circulation.
- First Cook Cycle: Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes to start crisping the skin and cooking through.
- Flip Chicken: Carefully flip chicken thighs so the skin side is up to crisp the skin further and ensure even cooking.
- Second Cook Cycle: Continue cooking at 390°F for another 9 minutes.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Generously brush each chicken thigh with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Final Cook: Air fry an additional 2-4 minutes until the barbecue sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist meat.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 175°F for optimal juiciness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket as it prevents proper air circulation and crisping.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on the size of chicken thighs and air fryer model.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to substitute grapeseed oil with canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
