1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Add BBQ Sauce:
- Brush with Sauce: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. Allow the sauce to cook and caramelize slightly. You can brush more BBQ sauce on the chicken after it’s done cooking if desired.
4. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken:
- Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mix for consistent flavor.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to use different BBQ sauces or even make your own. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your taste.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ with less mess and faster cooking time. The air fryer ensures that the chicken stays juicy while the BBQ sauce caramelizes to perfection. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!