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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs made in the Ninja Speedi are crispy, juicy, and packed with smoky barbecue flavor. Perfectly seasoned bone-in, skin-on thighs are air fried to golden perfection, then brushed with a rich BBQ sauce and caramelized to create a deliciously sticky glaze. A quick 27-minute recipe ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Ninja Speedi: Set the air fryer to 390°F and allow it to preheat for 4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mix seasonings: Combine onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
  3. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during cooking.
  4. Oil the chicken: Brush each chicken thigh evenly with grapeseed oil to promote crispness and flavor absorption.
  5. Season the chicken: Coat all sides of the chicken thighs evenly with the prepared seasoning mixture for a balanced taste.
  6. Arrange in air fryer basket: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal air circulation and crisping.
  7. First cooking phase: Air fry at 390°F for 9 minutes to start cooking and crisping the skin.
  8. Flip chicken: Turn the thighs skin side up and air fry for an additional 9 minutes to cook through and continue crisping.
  9. Apply BBQ sauce: Brush each chicken thigh generously with your chosen barbecue sauce, coating thoroughly for maximum flavor.
  10. Final caramelization: Air fry for an extra 2-4 minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 175°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
  11. Rest the chicken: Let the thighs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
  12. Serve: Serve hot paired with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow air to circulate properly and crisp the chicken evenly.
  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the skin become extra crispy.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F for safety and juiciness.
  • You can substitute grapeseed oil with any other neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
  • Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce brand or make your own for different flavor profiles.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking improves tenderness and flavor retention.

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Find it online: https://quickpantrymeals.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-thighs-ninja-speedi-recipe/