Air fryer bbq chicken is a family favorite dinner and for good reason!

Seasoned and sauced chicken breasts come out incredibly juicy with delicious crispy skin. These taste like they are fresh off the grill without any of the work. The air fryer makes dinner (and life!) so much easier, and so much tastier, too!

Air Fryer BBQ Split Chicken Breasts on a plate topped with parsley

Easy 3 Ingredient Chicken!

  • Split chicken breasts are bone-in so they have more flavor and look elegant on a platter. Just prep, season, and air fry!
  • The air fryer cooks quicker than the oven, and produces moist and tender chicken breasts with crispy, flavorful skins!
  • Cook multiple pieces and keep warm in the oven or chill and use in recipes all week!

ingredients assembled to make Air Fryer BBQ Split Chicken Breasts including bbq sauce garlic, salt and pepper, and chicken breasts

Ingredients & Variations

CHICKEN: Any bone-in chicken including thighs, quarters, or drumsticks will work. Fresh is best, but thaw chicken if using frozen.

Boneless, skinless cuts can be used with reduced cooking time.

BBQ SAUCE: There are so many flavor profiles for BBQ sauce! Choose your favorite or DIY your own blend that lets you adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Love buffalo sauce? Try using this easy microwave buffalo sauce recipe, instead!

uncooked chicken breasts covered in bbq sauce in an air fryer tray

How to Make BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer

Air fryer chicken is so simple to make and cleanup is a breeze.

  1. Coat chicken with all ingredients.
  2. Cook in the air fryer (per the recipe below) until the skin is crispy brown and the internal temp reaches 165°F.

PRO TIP: Toss chicken with ingredients in a zippered bag and save washing a bowl!

What to Serve With BBQ Chicken

Serve with air fryer mini potato skins or sweet potato wedges. Add a refreshing cucumber tomato salad and for dessert, we love these easy air fryer lemon tartlets.

cooked chicken breasts covered in bbq sauce in an air fryer tray

Tips for Juicy BBQ Chicken Breasts

  • Always check the internal temp of the chicken breasts towards the end of cooking. It should read 165°F. But remember all meat will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the heat source.
  • For best results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or tray. The hot air needs to circulate around each piece for even cooking.
  • Let the meat rest about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Keep leftover BBQ split chicken breasts in a covered container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer. Freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 4 weeks. Thaw before reheating.

More Chicken Recipes in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer BBQ Split Chicken Breasts on a plate
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breasts

These split 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.
5 from 4 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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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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