Air Fryer BBQ Chicken (25-Minute Recipe!)

Name: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken legs (about 4 pieces); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons bbq seasoning (*see Notes); ¼ cup barbecue sauce

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When I want to make BBQ without firing up my grill, air fryer BBQ chicken is my go-to recipe! There’s no babysitting while it’s cooking, and it turns out super juicy, with crispy skin and all of the barbecue flavor that my family loves! I’ll show you how easy it is!

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Four pieces of cooked BBQ chicken inside an air fryer basket.

It’s no secret in my friend group that I’m obsessed with my air fryer. It’s great for cooking everything from pork tenderloin to “boiled” eggs, and yes, even BBQ chicken!

I especially love air fryer recipes during the summer because I don’t have to heat up my kitchen. It’s hot enough in Arizona without turning on the oven! Even better, making BBQ chicken in the air fryer makes it possible to have dinner ready in under 25 minutes!

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Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

These air fryer chicken legs are seasoned with savory spices and coated with sticky, homemade sugar free barbecue sauce. When you cook them in the air fryer they come out perfect every time.

Plus, there’s also hardly any cleanup at all since you can throw the air fryer basket right into the dishwasher.

Happy Kitchen Secrets

Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this recipe! I’ve made this countless times, so I can save you from a failed attempt.

To ensure even cooking, try to get chicken legs that are all about the same size and weight.
Just as you would an oven or grill, always preheat the air fryer for a crispy end result.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil before adding the drumsticks to prevent sticking and for an even easier cleanup.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! Leave a little room between each drumstick to allow the air to flow between them. It’s far better to work in batches than to overfill the basket.
Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Ingredients

Use my homemade blend of sugar-free BBQ seasoning or any store-bought blend. You can also mix together a 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, plus a 1/4 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and onion powder.

Make my sugar-free barbecue sauce or use your favorite store-bought sauce.

This recipe is for BBQ chicken legs, but it will also work with boneless thighs or boneless breasts. However, the cook time will vary depending on which cut you use.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

For full, step-by-step instructions, see the recipe card! ⬇️

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Before you do anything else, turn your air fryer to 380°F. so it can preheat while you prep the chicken legs.

A hand coats raw chicken drumsticks with spices in a white bowl on a light-colored surface, preparing flavorful air fryer chicken legs.

Four raw chicken drumsticks being added to the air fryer basket for cooking.

First, pat the legs dry with paper towels, then drizzle a bit of oil onto each one and sprinkle on the seasoning. Use your hands to turn the pieces so they are coated on all sides.

Use a pair of tongs to add the chicken legs to the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a bit of room between each drumstick so they cook evenly.

IMPORTANT: Spray or brush the air fryer basket or rack with oil. This will help keep the chicken from sticking!

A hand using a grill brush to coat the chicken with bbq sauce.

Four cooked bbq chicken drumsticks on a white plate.

Halfway through cooking, turn the pieces over and brush barbecue sauce onto each one.

Air fry the BBQ chicken until it cooks through to an internal temp of 165°F. When they're done carefully transfer the pieces to a plate for serving!

Close up of a gray plate with three bbq chicken drumsticks, potato salad, and pickles.

BBQ Chicken Leg FAQs

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Always make sure to preheat your air fryer, just like you would for almost all grilled and baked recipes. It helps ensure even cooking and accurate cook times.

Also, if you're new to air fryer cooking, get my printable air fryer cooking times chart!

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken legs by coating them with oil and seasonings up to 18 hours in advance. Keep them covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Want to make your chicken on the grill?

Check out my gas or charcoal grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe!

How should I store leftover BBQ chicken?

To store leftovers, add the cooled chicken to an airtight container or bag and seal. Transfer to the refrigerator and store for 3-4 days, per USDA.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve air fried BBQ chicken with a bunch of side dishes. Purple cabbage slaw, pickles, potato salad, deviled eggs, and even corn on the cob are all great options. Sides like broccoli bacon salad go really well with it, too!

Planning to make this recipe?

After you make this recipe, please give it a star rating below and comment to let me know how it went!