Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

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If you’ve been on the hunt for a foolproof way to get juicy, flavorful chicken with that perfect caramelized glaze, I have just the thing: the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe. It’s a gorgeous blend of smoky spices and sticky BBQ sauce, cooked to tender perfection in less than 30 minutes. Thanks to the Ninja Speedi’s efficient air frying, you get crispy skin outside and juicy meat inside every single time—without the hassle of firing up the grill or waiting forever. This dish is pure comfort food bliss that’s surprisingly simple to nail at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in delivering big flavor and great texture. You’ll find that this short but potent list brings together seasoning, oil, and BBQ sauce in a harmonious way that makes the chicken irresistible.

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the dish, these thighs stay juicy and tender while the skin crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil: This oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages that crispy, golden skin without overpowering flavors.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and a depth of savory flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika: Gives a smoky color and subtle warmth to the seasoning blend.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper: Adds just enough bite and complexity.
• ½ tsp chili powder: Brings a gentle heat that livens the dish up without overwhelming it.
• ½ cup barbecue sauce: Your favorite brand is perfect here, providing that iconic sticky sweetness that finishes the chicken beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Ninja Speedi

Start by setting your Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat for 4 minutes. This step ensures the cooking environment is hot and ready, which is key to getting that crisp skin and juicy meat.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning Blend

While the air fryer heats, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful mix will infuse the chicken with an inviting depth of taste.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken Thighs

Pat each chicken thigh dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up wonderfully during frying. Next, brush them with grapeseed oil on all sides to create the perfect base for seasoning.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Evenly coat each oiled chicken thigh with your seasoning blend, making sure every nook and cranny gets flavorful coverage. The spices cling nicely thanks to the oil, creating a tasty crust as they cook.

Step 5: Start Air Frying

Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them—air needs to circulate freely for the best results. Cook at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes to kick off the crisping process.

Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking

After 9 minutes, flip the chicken so the skin side is now facing up. Cook for another 9 minutes at the same temperature. This step ensures even cooking and crispy skin all over.

Step 7: Add the BBQ Sauce

Brush each chicken thigh generously with your barbecue sauce. This glaze will caramelize beautifully in the last cooking step, adding that irresistible sticky, smoky layer that everyone loves.

Step 8: Final Air Fry and Rest

Return the sauced chicken to the Ninja Speedi and air fry for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the sauce should caramelize but not burn. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect doneness. Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in all the delicious juices.

How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can take your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe from great to dazzling. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of brightness and color. Thinly sliced green onions or a few dashes of smoked paprika sprinkled on top can also add visual interest and enhance that smoky flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with an array of sides. Creamy coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad adds crisp freshness and contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes. Cornbread or a warm biscuit also complements the BBQ vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, try serving your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe on a bed of fluffy rice or inside soft taco shells with a drizzle of ranch or chipotle mayo. You can even shred the cooked chicken and use it in sliders or BBQ chicken sandwiches for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the chicken will stay flavorful and moist for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep the chicken longer, you can freeze the cooked thighs. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken will maintain great taste and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the chicken thighs back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy once again. This method keeps the skin from going soggy and revives that fresh-from-the-fryer texture.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook a bit faster, so check them around 14 to 16 minutes total at 390°F. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and drying out.

What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?

No worries! You can substitute grapeseed oil with canola or vegetable oil, both of which have high smoke points suitable for air frying without affecting flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap chili powder for smoked chipotle powder to kick up the heat and add smoky depth.

Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking?

Flipping helps the chicken cook evenly and promotes crispy skin all around, so it’s highly recommended. Without flipping, the skin on one side might end up less crispy.

What if I don’t own a Ninja Speedi air fryer?

You can still make this recipe with any air fryer by adjusting cooking times slightly—start checking the chicken at around 18 minutes to prevent overcooking, and use the same temperature for similar results.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s fast, fuss-free, and bursting with flavor, making every meal feel like a mini celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers juicy, crispy, saucy chicken without the usual grill hassle. Give it a go and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

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