Juicy air fryer barbecue chicken served on a plate with sauce
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Emma Lawson | 
16.07.2025

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Recipe

Discover delicious air fryer barbecue chicken perfect for any meal. With a smokey flavour and sticky glaze, it’s simple to make air fryer bbq chicken breast or crispy bbq chicken in air fryer without the mess of a grill. Enjoy an easy air fryer boneless bbq chicken that your family will love!
Prep Time
5m
Cook
20m
Total Time
25m
Yield
serves 4
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Chicken
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Chicken

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

Essential Ingredients for the Recipe

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Use fresh herbs

Add a splash of flavour by garnishing with fresh parsley or coriander after cooking.

Why Use Different Chicken Cuts

Using a mixture of thighs, breasts, or skin-on chicken pieces can enhance the texture and taste. Try using boneless cuts for speedy cooking.

Steps to Cook Barbecue Chicken in Air Fryer

Follow these simple steps to make air fryer barbecue chicken.

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Brush barbecue sauce on the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through.
  5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Avoid Overcooking

Checking the chicken's internal temperature helps prevent overcooking and keeps the meat juicy.
Air fryer basket with evenly cooked barbecue chicken breasts

Nutrition for Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 18g

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

Pair this delicious dish with a fresh garden salad or crispy potato wedges to make it a hearty meal. Some coleslaw on the side also complements the barbecue glaze beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken

Air fryer barbecue chicken effortlessly combines flavour with convenience. Whether you're making air fryer bbq chicken breast or easy air fryer chicken thighs, it's a versatile recipe perfect for a quick meal. Explore more recipes like this on airfryerrecipe.co.uk for more inspiration. Enjoy experimenting with sticky air fryer chicken varieties too!

Explore other Recipes below!

Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken FAQ

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

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Choose your favourite brand or make a homemade barbecue glaze for a personalized touch.
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Can I use frozen chicken pieces?

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Yes, just adjust the cooking time in your air fryer to ensure they're cooked through.
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How do I avoid sticking?

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Brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.
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Can I cook skin-on chicken pieces in the air fryer?

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Absolutely! Skin-on chicken pieces will give you extra crispy results.
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