Juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast is rubbed with a sweet and smoky seasoning blend and slathered in BBQ sauce for a quick, juicy weeknight dinner ready in under 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts even thickness
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, for misting
1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand

Method

In a small bowl, stir together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over all sides of the chicken.
Lightly spray/mist the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 7 minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the top of each chicken breast and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce is warm and slightly caramelized.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 4-5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Notes

Pounding the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are very thick on one end, pound them to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures they cook evenly without drying out.

Cooking Sprays: Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays (like Pam) in your air fryer basket, as the propellants can damage the non-stick coating. Use an oil mister instead.

Food Safety: Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Chicken is safe to eat when it registers 165°F (74°C).

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to keep them juicy.