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Sliced air fryer BBQ chicken breast on a serving platter showing juicy interior, perfect for parties and gathering

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Air Fryer, meat thermometer, pastry brush or silicone brush, oil mister

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for spraying basket)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken breasts. Rub it in with your hands so the entire surface is well coated.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister. Do not use aerosol sprays like Pam as they can damage the basket coating.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the basket in a single layer. Do not overlap.
  • Cook at 380°F for 7 minutes. Flip each breast over and cook for another 7–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Note: cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
  • Once cooked through, brush BBQ sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm and slightly caramelize the sauce.
  • Remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for 4–5 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

If your chicken breasts are thick or uneven, pound them to a more uniform thickness before seasoning. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Always use an oil mister with olive oil - never aerosol cooking sprays, which can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket.
Most standard air fryers fit 2–4 chicken breasts comfortably. Cook in batches if needed - do not stack or overlap.
Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 129 kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 418mg | Carbohydrates: varies with BBQ sauce | Vitamin A: 34 IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.