How to Make Juicy BBQ Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer
Barbecued chicken breast is tender, juicy, and full of flavour, making cooking BBQ chicken breast in an air fryer an ideal way to take advantage of convenient and simple grilling without having to go outside. This method is healthier than the normal frying method and it only takes a quarter of the time used in the process. Learn how to prepare yummy BBQ chicken breast in an air fryer, along with frequently asked questions in the following step-by-step guide.
Why an Air Fryer for BBQ Chicken Breast at All?
An air fryer is one of the best items when it comes to cooking chicken because the chicken is cooked by hot circulating air; the outer portion browns while the inside remains juicy and tender. Cooking BBQ chicken breast in air fryer is perfect for working people or for when you want that BBQ flavor without actually grilling.
Benefits of Cooking BBQ Chicken in an Air Fryer:
Faster Cooking: An air fryer works 50% faster than the regular oven, but it’s usually healthier for you than the average oven.
Healthier Meals: does not necessitate the use of much oil thus it is perfect for individuals who are seeking to reduce on fats.
Easy Clean-up: It has been established that these air fryers are most of the time easier to clean than grills or frying pans.
Ingredients Needed
To make BBQ chicken breast in air fryer you will require some very basic essentials which include the following: Obviously that evident ingredient here is the BBQ sauce. It is recommended to use your own BBQ sauce but if you can’t here you can use any store bought BBQ sauce.
Chicken Breasts: 2 chicken breast fillets with no skin
BBQ Sauce: ½ cup; can be either prepared using store-bough or from scratch.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Garlic Powder: ½ tsp (optional, you can add this or substitute it with garlic powder)
Paprika or Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp for a smoky flavor
Easy BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe in the Air Fryer
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Preheat the Air Fryer: First and foremost, it is necessary to presaete the air fryer at 380°F or 193°C with convection for 5 minutes.
Season the Chicken: Spoon olive oil over the chicken breasts and spread the oil all over the breasts. On the side of the chicken, place salts, peppers, garlic powder and paprika should be placed on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken
Place in Air Fryer Basket: Arrange the chicken breasts seasoned with the mixture in your air fryer basket in a single tier with little space in between the pieces.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and then fry the meat in it for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes turn the chicken over and cook the other side for 5-8 minutes or until well done at 75°F.
- Add the BBQ Sauce
Brush on BBQ Sauce: After this shorten the cooking time of the air fryer, slide it open and then coat the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce on both sides.
Finish Cooking with Sauce: Place the chicken back into the air fryer for 2-3 minutes additional to allow the sauce to thicken and get sticky.
- Let the Chicken Rest
After that, take out your chicken from your air fryer and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices to absorb well and makes the chicken very juicy and delicious.
- Serve and Enjoy
Cut the BBQ chicken breast into slices and accompany it with something as a salad, vegetables, or rice.
Ultimate guide to cooking BBQ chicken breast in an air fryer
Avoid Overcrowding: One has to leave small intervals in between the chicken breasts so that it can be well cooked.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure the chicken juice runs clear, feel free to use a meat thermometer, making sure the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brush BBQ Sauce in Stages: To make the additional flavor in the chicken you can apply the BBQ sauce for second time half-way through the cooking process.
Nutritional Information
This is a very healthy, low fat air-fried recipe, especially if you put a sugar-free BBQ sauce on the top. Here’s a general nutrition breakdown for one serving:
Calories: 220
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 8g
CONENTS Main ideas FAQ AFTER READING
- How Many Minutes Should BBQ Chicken Breast Be Put in Air Fryer?
Usually a chicken breast can be cooked in an air fryer for 15-18 minutes at 380°F. Change the time if the steaks are thicker or thin and always make sure to examine the internal temperature.
- Is it possible to cook frozen chicken breasts?
Of course you can; cooking frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer is completely possible. Take another 5-8 minutes more and check the readiness of the bread.
- How to cook chicken breast so it doesn’t become dry and tough?
To ensure it does not dry out avoid cooking for too long. Besides, brushing the chicken with olive oil before baking and letting it to stay for some time after it is cooked will also make it retain the moisture.
.4. Do I Need to Flip the Chicken?
Yes, flipping halfway helps the chicken cook well on both surfaces as well as saves time.
- Can I Use Homemade BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Barbecue sauce is the food supplement that brings an added taste at the same time and can easily be made at home. As long it will have thick enough consistency to adhere to the chicken during the process of cooking.
- Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
To make this recipe Keto friendly, substitute the BBQ sauce you are using with low carb or sugar-free sauce. The rest of the ingredients used here blend with the keto diet because they do not contain carbs or very low carbohydrates.
- How Should I Store Leftovers?
BBQ chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 3 days. Air fry the second time at 350 F for 3-4 minutes.
Final Thoughts
To prepare BBQ chicken breast in an air fryer is well suitable and delicious since it cooks the protein fast, and is very tasty. The air fryer keeps the chicken tender inside while the BBQ sauce is crispy and golden brown on the outside. Try this simple yet delicious BBQ chicken recipe for weekday suppers, meal planning, or just getting your daily dose of barbecued food.