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
Scale
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
