Enjoy succulent and flavorful BBQ chicken thighs cooked effortlessly in the Ninja Speedi air fryer. This method ensures crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient – Air frying reduces cooking time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Healthier Option – Less oil is required compared to traditional frying methods.
Flavorful and Juicy – The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a crispy exterior.
Versatile – Pairs well with various sides like salads, roasted vegetables, or grains.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Grapeseed oil
Onion powder
Salt
Ground black pepper
Paprika
Chili powder
Barbecue sauce

Directions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set the Ninja Speedi to 390°F and preheat for 4 minutes.

Prepare the Seasoning:

In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and chili powder.

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Brush each thigh with grapeseed oil.
Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over all sides of the chicken thighs.

Air Fry the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down, in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes.
Flip the chicken thighs to skin side up and cook for an additional 9 minutes.

Apply Barbecue Sauce:

After the initial cooking time, brush barbecue sauce generously over each chicken thigh.
Continue cooking for 2-4 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F and the sauce has caramelized.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Boneless Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs; adjust cooking time to 16-18 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.
Different Sauces: Experiment with various barbecue sauces or marinades to change the flavor profile.
Spice Level: Increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-6 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, adjust the cooking time to 16-18 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior; it’s recommended for this recipe.

3. Can I stack the chicken thighs in the air fryer?

No, arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

4. What if I don’t have grapeseed oil?

You can substitute with another high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 175°F for bone-in thighs.

6. Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

It’s best to thaw chicken thighs before air frying for even cooking and optimal texture.

7. What sides pair well with BBQ chicken thighs?

Consider coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

8. How can I prevent the barbecue sauce from burning?

Apply the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

9. Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

10. Can I cook other cuts of chicken using this method?

Yes, adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the appropriate internal temperature for different cuts.

Conclusion

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs made in the Ninja Speedi are a quick and delicious option for any meal. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken that’s sure to satisfy. Experiment with different seasonings and sides to make this recipe your own.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)

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Author: sara
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy, made effortlessly in the Ninja Speedi. This quick and easy recipe delivers tender, smoky, and caramelized chicken in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the Ninja Speedi to 390°F and preheat for 4 minutes.

2. Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder.

3. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
Brush each thigh with grapeseed oil.
Evenly coat with the seasoning mixture on all sides.

4. Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
Cook at 390°F for 9 minutes.
Flip the chicken thighs skin side up and cook for another 9 minutes.

5. Apply BBQ Sauce & Finish Cooking

Brush each thigh generously with BBQ sauce.
Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.

6. Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Notes

Boneless Thighs? Adjust cooking time to 16-18 minutes (internal temp: 165°F).
Extra Crispy? Increase cook time by 2-3 minutes before adding BBQ sauce.
Spicy Kick? Add cayenne pepper or increase chili powder.
No Grapeseed Oil? Use avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air-Frying
Cuisine: American