Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a smoky barbecue glaze. Using simple spices and a convenient air fryer method, it ensures perfectly cooked chicken breasts with a deliciously caramelized BBQ sauce finish in about 25 minutes, ideal for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ – 2 lb chicken breast (3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Other
- Olive oil or oil spray, for coating
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cracked pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then rub or spray lightly with olive oil. Evenly coat the chicken with the prepared spice rub, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Cook Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce: Carefully spread BBQ sauce evenly over the cooked chicken breasts. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and caramelize the sauce, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through but not overdone.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a barbecue sauce with a smoky profile.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain moisture and juiciness.
