Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Sticky & Juicy)
Serves
2–4 people
Ingredients
Chicken
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4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-
1 tbsp olive oil
Dry Seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
BBQ Glaze
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½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky works best)
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for caramelization)
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar (balances sweetness)
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½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but 🔥)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
-
Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels
(this helps them brown instead of steaming). -
Drizzle with olive oil.
2. Season
In a small bowl, mix:
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Smoked paprika
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Salt
-
Pepper
-
Chili powder
Rub seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
-
Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes
4. First Cook (No Sauce Yet)
-
Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket
(don’t overlap). -
Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes
-
Flip and cook another 6–8 minutes
Chicken should be mostly cooked at this stage (internal temp ~165°F).
5. Make the BBQ Glaze
While chicken cooks, mix:
-
BBQ sauce
-
Honey (or brown sugar)
-
Apple cider vinegar
-
Worcestershire sauce
This combo is what gives that shiny, sticky finish you see in the photo.
6. Sauce & Caramelize
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Brush BBQ glaze generously on top of the chicken.
-
Increase air fryer temp to 400°F (205°C).
-
Cook 3–5 more minutes, until sauce bubbles and caramelizes.
👉 Optional: Flip once more, glaze the other side, and cook 2 more minutes.
7. Rest
Let chicken rest 3–5 minutes before serving
(this keeps it juicy).
How It Should Look & Feel
-
Deep golden-brown with dark caramelized edges
-
Sticky, glossy BBQ coating
-
Super juicy inside — not dry at all
If it doesn’t look sticky yet, brush a little more sauce and give it 1 extra minute at 400°F.
Pro Tips
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Thighs > breasts for air fryer BBQ (they stay juicy).
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If your BBQ sauce burns easily, add honey after first cook.
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Use a meat thermometer if unsure: 165°F internal.
Great Sides
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Coleslaw
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Corn on the cob
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Air-fried green beans or Brussels sprouts
