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–+ servings
air fried bbq chicken breast

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

This healthy air fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe comes together in 15 minutes and calls for three ingredients. The tender, juicy chicken is covered in a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes as it air fries. Perfect weeknight dinner and meal prep!
5 from 6 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Serving 4 servings

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your air fyrer to 360°F and lightly grease basket with olive oil or avocado spray.
  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and then use your hands to evenly season with the spices.
    adding dry rub on three chicken breasts
  • Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts with tongs and air fry for another 4 - 5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and generously top with BBQ sauce.
    covering air fried chicken in barbecue sauce
  • Return to air fryer and cook for another 2 - 3 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Let chicken breast rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving!
    cut up tender air fryer bbq chicken

Notes

BBQ Sauce: You can use any BBQ sauce. I recommend Stubb's or Primal Kitchen.
Chicken Tenders: You can use chicken tenders. Simply adjust the cooking time to 4 - 5 minutes per side since chicken tenders are thinner and smaller than chicken breasts. Make sure the internal temperature is still 165°F.
Chicken Thighs Option: You can even use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip them over and air fryer for another 4 – 6 minutes until cooked through.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and may prevent the chicken from getting crispy. You may need to work in batches if you have a small air fryer.
Storing: For best results, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 days. 
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 60 - 90 seconds, until warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1024mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Lunch & Dinner
Cuisine American, Healthy
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