Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of four Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs with a thick, sticky glaze.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Glaze

This recipe provides instructions for making bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in an air fryer. The chicken is seasoned and cooked until the skin is crispy and coated with barbecue sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs bone-in, with skin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder/cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. Trim excess fat and pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Score the chicken thighs on the skin side down to the bone by making a few cuts into the flesh so the seasoning penetrates deeper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and red chili powder.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with the spices until they are fully coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 10 minutes. Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Turn the chicken thighs skin-side up and brush with barbecue sauce. Air fry for another 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and lightly charred, or until the internal temperature reaches 170F.
  6. Brush with more barbecue sauce if you prefer and serve warm.

Notes

The total cook time for the chicken may vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the thighs.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!