Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts coated with a smoky spice rub and smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy, healthy recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering tender, perfectly cooked chicken with a delicious caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ – 2 lb chicken breast (3-4 boneless, skinless breasts)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Olive oil or oil spray
Sauce
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, sea salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. Then, lightly rub or spray the chicken with olive oil.
- Season Chicken: Generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with the prepared spice rub, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce: Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the cooked chicken breasts. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- For even cooking, ensure chicken breasts are pounded to a uniform thickness.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is important to retain juices and flavor.
