Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Tender, juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs basted in sugar-free BBQ sauce are quick, easy, and totally kid-approved. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, these tasty chicken thighs deliver bold flavor with just a few simple ingredients.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Tender juicy chicken thighs
- Basted in a Keto friendly BBQ sauce
- Quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Perfect busy weeknights dinner
- Sugar-free and kid friendly
There’s nothing like Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs to bring bold, smoky flavor straight to your dinner table. The air fryer locks in the juiciness while creating a perfectly crisp skin, and the BBQ sauce caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible glaze. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain chicken thighs.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick family dinner or serving it as a main dish for a gathering, these thighs are a hit every time. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and are a guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves BBQ chicken. Plus, no grill required!
If you love this BBQ thighs, be sure to check out my recipe for Honey BBQ Chicken Wings. They are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
🛒 Ingredients for Keto BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs
- Keto BBQ Sauce
- Garlic salt
- Smoked paprika
- Ground black pepper
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
🥣 Recommended Tools
🔪 How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle the garlic salt, smoked paprika and ground black pepper on both sides of each piece of chicken.
Place the chicken in your air fryer basket, skin side down.
Air fry for 8 minutes, then brush with the BBQ sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Flip the chicken over, brush with the BBQ sauce.
Cook for 12-14 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
☑️ Storage Instructions
Fridge: You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or air fryer.
🍴 What to Serve with BBQ Chicken
There are so many delicious, low-carb sides you can serve with this chicken. Here are some of my favorites:
- Cauliflower Potato Salad
- Easy Coleslaw
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
💡 Top Tips
- Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking and to ensure a crispy finish.
- Pat the chicken dry: This step helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispier skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the chicken thighs space to cook evenly and crisp up.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush sauce halfway through: Adding BBQ sauce in stages allows it to caramelize without burning.
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Spice them up: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Buffalo style: Replace BBQ sauce with Buffalo Sauce for a spicy alternative.
- Asian-inspired: Use a sugar-free Teriyaki Sauce instead of BBQ sauce for an Asian twist.
- Bacon wrapped: Wrap each chicken thigh in a slice of bacon before air frying for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Ranch: Drizzle the tops of the warm BBQ thighs with a little of this homemade Bacon Ranch Dressing for a creamy kick.
Can I Make This Recipe with White Meat Chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or chicken tenders. The cook time will vary, so check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent the Chicken From Drying Out?
The number one way is not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the air fryer as soon as it hits 165°F.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes and ensure they are fully cooked before adding the BBQ sauce.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Absolutely! These chicken thighs reheat beautifully, making them perfect for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Can I Make This With Boneless Thighs?
Of course. Just adjust the cooking time because they may cook faster.
🍽️ More Keto Air Fryer Recipes
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Pork Tenderloin
- Zucchini Fries
- Buffalo Wings
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone in/skin on
- 1/3 cup Keto BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle the garlic salt, smoked paprika and ground black pepper on both sides of each piece of chicken.
- Place the chicken in your air fryer basket, skin side down.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, then brush with the BBQ sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over, brush with the BBQ sauce and cook for 12-14 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
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