Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a homemade spice rub and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, this recipe uses the air fryer to achieve a deliciously crispy exterior without the need for frying in oil.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ – 2 lb chicken breast (3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- Olive oil or oil spray
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly rub or spray the chicken with olive oil and evenly coat with the prepared spice blend.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Slice as desired and serve.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity or omit it for less heat.
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for accurate internal temperature.
- Letting chicken rest before serving improves juiciness.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade version.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
