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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, caramelized BBQ glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game day snacks. Using simple ingredients and a fast air frying method, it locks in moisture and flavor while keeping the dish light and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

BBQ Glaze

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky or tangy variety)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and create a crisp surface during cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to build an even flavor base.
  3. Apply the BBQ Glaze: Brush a thin layer of olive oil on each chicken breast to help the sauce adhere. Then coat both sides generously with BBQ sauce. Optionally, add a sprinkle of lemon juice for brightness.
  4. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Arrange the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  5. Final Glaze and Crisp: About 2-3 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, brush on an additional layer of BBQ sauce. Continue air frying to caramelize the sauce into a sticky, smoky glaze.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and tender before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for proper air circulation.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking for maximum juiciness.
  • Adjust the BBQ sauce flavor to your liking before applying.

Nutrition

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