Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 27 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder, mixing them thoroughly.
  3. Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere and to achieve crispier skin.
  4. Oil the chicken: Brush each chicken thigh generously with grapeseed oil to enhance browning and flavor.
  5. Season the chicken: Evenly coat each thigh with the prepared seasoning mix on all sides for balanced flavor.
  6. 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.
  7. First cooking phase: Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes to start crisping the skin and cooking the meat through.
  8. 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.
  9. Apply BBQ sauce: Brush each thigh generously with the barbecue sauce to infuse flavor and prepare for caramelization.
  10. 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.
  11. Rest the chicken: Remove the thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  12. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

 

Find it online: https://ascookasyoucan.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-thighs-ninja-speedi-recipe/