Get your BBQ fix without lighting the grill!
Cooking with an air fryer offers a range of options for fast and easy weeknight dinners. These air-fried BBQ chicken breasts exemplify how you can enjoy taste and tenderness with minimal hassle. So, the next time you’re in the mood for BBQ chicken and don’t want to mess with the grill, try the air fryer instead. It’s a game changer in the kitchen.
If you’re new to air fryers, you’re in for a treat. This innovative kitchen appliance works like magic, using hot air to create a crisp but tender meat—perfect for making the juiciest BBQ chicken. Of course, the major seller for air fryers are their convenience. No more waiting for an oven to preheat or dealing with mess on the grill. The air fryer is compact, simple to clean, and cooks food swiftly.
We all know that BBQ chicken is a backyard staple, perfect for summer parties with friends and family. Still, I sometimes have a craving for BBQ even after the temperature drops. Summer or not, BBQ chicken is always a good idea, and this recipe is finger-licking good.
All you need is a few standard spices like paprika and garlic powder and your favorite barbecue sauce, and you’re good to go. And while you could always get some sauce from the grocery store, why not make your own BBQ Sauce? Whether you like more of a bourbon flavor, or something spicy, homemade is always best!
Is Air-Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast Healthy?
Yes! And it’s certainly a healthier alternative to fried chicken! It’s also lower in calories because you cut the fat by using a boneless, skinless chicken breast. In general, air fryers use significantly less oil, resulting in lower calories and fat. This recipe provides plenty of protein, and if you use a Keto BBQ Sauce, it’s also low-carb!
Why Pound The Chicken Breasts?
Even with an air fryer, it’s annoyingly easy to dry out your chicken breasts. This lean white meat has very little fat, which means it’s more susceptible to getting rubbery and nearly inedible if overcooked. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to pound your chicken breasts.
Pounding the chicken breasts flat does more than relieve pent-up aggression—though that’s definitely a perk. It creates a uniform thickness, so the chicken cooks evenly without a thick middle and thin ends, as many breasts often have. Once even and thin, the breasts cook quickly and evenly, yielding juicy results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Put the leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it inside an airtight container or food-safe storage bag. They should last in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s hear it for all the fantastic sides that go perfectly with barbecued chicken! Bacon Mac And Cheese, Baked Corn on the Cob dripping with butter, and Old-Fashioned Potato Salad are perfect pairings for this classic all-American dish. I also love a good Macaroni Salad when eating BBQ chicken in the summer.
Speaking of BBQ, I think it’s a good idea to make some extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Some other favorite sides for this BBQ classic are Creamy Cucumber Salad, Baked Beans, and Baked French Fries.
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2– 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or oil spray for coating
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, pat dry, and coat with olive oil.
- Apply the spice mixture to both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Lightly oil the air fryer basket and place the chicken breasts presentation side down.
- Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip it and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches approximately 165°F, which should take about 8–10 minutes more.
- Generously brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken and return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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