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Two pieces of glazed baked chicken and two squares of cornbread are arranged on a black plate. The food is set on stacked plates against a dark background.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs

These air fryer BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a low sugar BBQ sauce. They cook quickly in the air fryer and come out tender with a lightly crisp finish, making them perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 342 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing bowl
  • ​Small Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs
  • Pastry brush
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pound chicken thighs
  • 4 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup Low Sugar barbeque sauce plus more for serving

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, coriander, salt, and garlic powder.
    A small glass bowl containing a yellow liquid and a spoonful of powder sits on a white marble surface.
  • Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl, drizzle with the oil mixture, and toss well to coat. Let them sit while the air fryer finishes preheating.
    A glass bowl containing six raw, skinless chicken thighs sits on a white marble surface.
  • Step 3: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place 4 to 6 thighs inside, leaving space between each one. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 10 minutes.
    Four raw, skinless chicken thighs are arranged on a wire rack over parchment paper, placed on a marble surface. The chicken pieces are spaced apart and ready for cooking or seasoning.
  • Step 4: Brush the thighs with BBQ sauce, cook for 5 minutes, then flip, brush again, and cook another 5 to 10 minutes until fully cooked. Repeat with remaining chicken if needed and serve warm.
    Four pieces of raw, sauce-covered chicken are arranged on a wire rack placed over parchment paper on a marble surface.

Notes

  • Trim excess fat from the thighs before cooking to keep it lighter.
  • Use a silicone brush for easier BBQ sauce application.
  • Flip gently to keep the coating intact.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Directions

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Let them cool fully before storing.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Make Ahead: Season the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to cook.

Disclaimer:

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 19gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 562mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 128IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
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