Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
If you crave tender, juicy, and irresistibly smoky chicken with a perfect crisp skin, you are in for a treat with the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering dish bursting with bold barbecue flavors, all cooked quickly and conveniently in the Ninja Speedi air fryer. It’s a hands-down favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you want that smoky grill taste without firing up the outdoor grill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp skin to the tender, juicy meat, every component plays a crucial role.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These deliver juicy meat and crisp skin when cooked right.
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil): Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a crispy, golden exterior.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Offers a mellow sweetness that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky touch without overpowering.
- ½ tsp salt: Brings all the flavors to life and balances the seasoning.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and depth to the overall taste profile.
- ½ tsp chili powder: Brings a touch of heat and complexity, rounding out the spice blend.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand): The final glaze that caramelizes beautifully for that signature BBQ finish.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Ninja Speedi
Kicking off this recipe by setting the Ninja Speedi to 390°F and allowing it to preheat for 4 minutes ensures that your chicken gets that instant sizzle and crisp skin from the moment it hits the basket. Preheating is a crucial step to lock in juices and initiate browning.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. This carefully designed spice blend balances sweetness, heat, and savoriness, priming the chicken to soak up all those flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Then, brush each piece generously with grapeseed oil, setting the stage for perfectly roasted skin.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Evenly coat each chicken thigh with the spice mixture on all sides. This seasoning layer will create that irresistible crust when air fried.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Thighs
Place the chicken skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking. Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes, allowing the skin to start crisping up beautifully.
Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking
After the first 9 minutes, flip the chicken so the skin side is up. Cook for another 9 minutes. This ensures the thighs cook evenly inside and develop that golden, crispy skin we all crave.
Step 7: Add the BBQ Sauce Glaze
Brush each thigh generously with your favorite barbecue sauce. The sauce adds a sweet, smoky glaze that transforms the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 8: Final Air Fry to Caramelize
Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes. This step caramelizes the sauce and brings the internal temperature to a juicy and safe 175°F.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that balance the rich BBQ glaze. A few lemon wedges on the side bring a zesty contrast that can be squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, try roasted sweet potatoes or a tangy baked beans recipe to complement the smoky chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken thighs sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or tossed salad for a lighter option. Or, pile the sliced chicken onto soft buns with extra barbecue sauce for mouthwatering sliders that are perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken chilled quickly helps preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, wrap the cooked thighs individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in the Ninja Speedi or a conventional oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?
You can easily substitute with canola or vegetable oil. These neutral oils have high smoke points and will help achieve that crispy skin just as well.
How spicy is the seasoning really?
The chili powder adds just a gentle, warming heat that complements the smoky paprika and savory spices. It’s flavorful without being overpoweringly spicy, making it approachable for most taste buds.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger groups?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe. Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and maintain that perfect crisp texture.
Is the Ninja Speedi essential for this recipe?
The Ninja Speedi’s fast preheat and reliable air circulation make it ideal, but you can adapt this recipe to other air fryers with similar temperature settings and cooking times.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about biting into crispy, flavorful chicken with that smoky barbecue touch, and the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe delivers just that in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for an easy family dinner or impressing friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your weeknight favorites!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe using the Ninja Speedi offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly caramelized barbecue sauce. The chicken is seasoned with a smoky, slightly spicy blend and cooked to crispy perfection in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the Ninja Speedi: Set the Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder, mixing them thoroughly.
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere and to achieve crispier skin.
- Oil the chicken: Brush each chicken thigh generously with grapeseed oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Season the chicken: Evenly coat each thigh with the prepared seasoning mix on all sides for balanced flavor.
- Arrange chicken in the air fryer: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd to allow proper air circulation.
- First cooking phase: Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes to start crisping the skin and cooking the meat through.
- Flip the chicken: Turn the chicken thighs skin side up and continue cooking for another 9 minutes to crisp the skin further and cook evenly.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Brush each thigh generously with the barbecue sauce to infuse flavor and prepare for caramelization.
- Final air fry: Air fry for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175°F, ensuring the chicken is cooked safely.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken hot with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 175°F for safe consumption.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the chili powder from the seasoning.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices for moist, tender meat.
- Feel free to swap grapeseed oil with other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
