Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 27 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken with a smoky, caramelized barbecue glaze. Using the Ninja Speedi air fryer, the chicken cooks evenly and develops crispy skin in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili powder

BBQ Sauce

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder, mixing thoroughly.
  3. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote crispy skin.
  4. Oil the Chicken: Brush each chicken thigh evenly with grapeseed oil to enhance cooking and browning.
  5. Season the Chicken: Evenly coat all sides of the chicken thighs with the prepared seasoning mixture.
  6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for proper air circulation.
  7. First Cook: Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes to begin crisping the skin and cooking through.
  8. Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the chicken thighs skin side up and air fry for another 9 minutes to cook thoroughly and crisp the skin.
  9. Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce onto each chicken thigh.
  10. Final Air Fry: Air fry the sauced chicken thighs for an additional 2-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the internal temperature to reach 175°F.
  11. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to seal in juices.
  12. Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry is crucial for getting crispy skin.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 175°F for safe consumption.
  • Feel free to substitute grapeseed oil with canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
  • Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
  • Allow the chicken to rest before cutting to keep it juicy and tender.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://recipesgurucooking.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-thighs-ninja-speedi-recipe/