This air fryer BBQ chicken breast recipe makes perfectly cooked chicken!

This chicken recipe features a delicious tangy barbecue sauce that gets a flavor kick from added garlic! Just brush some split chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and air fry until tender and juicy, with a mouthwatering crispy skin.

The air fryer makes it so easy to get a delicious chicken dinner on the table in less time than the oven. Double up the recipe so you’ll have lots of leftovers for lunch boxes, salad toppers, or the freezer!

air fryer bbq chicken breasts

The Best BBQ Chicken Breast!

  • Economical chicken breasts are the ultimate budget-friendly food.
  • Versatility is the name of the game with this air-fried chicken breast recipe. Use healthy boneless, skinless chicken fillets or bone-in and skin-on breasts.
  • Air fryer recipes do a great job of producing juicy meat and crispy skin every time.
  • Skip the grill with this air fryer chicken breast recipe for perfectly juicy chicken every time.
  • It’s easy to substitute keto-friendly ingredients. Use a homemade sauce and leave out the sugar for the low-carb dieters at your table.
ingredients assembled to make air fryer bbq chicken breasts including bbq sauce, chicken breast, salt and pepper, and garlic

Ingredients and Variations

Chicken – Use split chicken breasts with the bone in and skin on to get juicy and crispy chicken. Frozen breasts are also an option, and can go straight from the freezer to the air fryer without having to thaw first. Just season them the same as you would from fresh.

Turn chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, or chicken thighs into barbecue chicken by simply adjusting the time.

Sauce – Use your favorite barbecue sauce. Or be as creative with sauces as you wish! Try it with your favorite bottled brand, this delicious homemade barbecue sauce, some tasty sweet and sour sauce, or this tasty microwave Buffalo sauce. Switch it up and add spices to your BBQ sauce like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder for a new flavor every time.

Serve with air fryer corn on the cob for a perfect summer meal with less dishes.

uncooked air fryer bbq chicken breasts in an air fryer tray

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

The air fryer makes everything quick and easy, from prep to cleanup!

  1. Pat the chicken fry with paper towels and brush chicken breasts with oil and your favorite sauce, meat rub, or seasoning.
  2. Place in air fryer basket preheated to 375°F.
  3. Bake (as directed in the recipe below), brush with more sauce if desired, turn, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or for as long as it takes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Chicken

  • Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and drying out.
  • Be careful not to crowd the air fryer basket. A stuffed basket will prevent the hot air from freely circulating.
  • For easier cleanup, use a basket liner or parchment paper.
cooked air fryer bbq chicken breasts in an air fryer tray

Storing Leftover Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

To reheat from frozen in the air fryer, preheat to 375° F. and heat for 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

air fryer bbq chicken breasts
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

These air fryer BBQ chicken breasts are so juicy and can be made so quickly in the air fryer.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 2 split chicken breasts
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
  • In a medium bowl toss chicken, garlic, and seasonings until chicken is evenly coated.
  • Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-27 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Brush with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute back into the meat to keep it moist.
Leftover chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
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Nutrition Information

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 999mg | Potassium: 1014mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 228IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American

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About the author

Holly is a mom of 4 with a love for all things air fryer! Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making recipes for the everyday home cook!
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