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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 22 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 19 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs using the Ninja Speedi delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly caramelized barbecue sauce glaze. Quick and easy to prepare, it combines a simple spice rub with air frying to create crispy skin and tender meat 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 (use your favorite brand)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Ninja Speedi: Set the Ninja Speedi air fryer to 390°F and preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
  2. Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder thoroughly to create the spice rub.
  3. Dry the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during cooking.
  4. Oil the chicken: Brush each chicken thigh evenly with grapeseed oil to enhance browning and flavor.
  5. Season the chicken: Coat each thigh evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture on all sides for balanced flavor.
  6. Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the chicken thighs skin side down into the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
  7. First cooking phase: Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes to start rendering the fat and crisping the skin.
  8. Flip the chicken: Turn the thighs skin side up and continue cooking for another 9 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  9. Apply BBQ sauce: Brush each thigh generously with barbecue sauce to add flavor and moisture.
  10. Final air frying: Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  11. Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, making it tender.
  12. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F for safe consumption.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
  • For extra smoky flavor, try adding a small amount of smoked paprika to the seasoning blend.
  • Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
  • If you prefer less spicy, reduce or omit the chili powder in the seasoning mix.

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