If you’re looking to satisfy a BBQ craving with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) are about to become your new go-to. They’re juicy inside, beautifully crisp outside, and gloriously sticky with just the right touch of smoky, sweet barbecue sauce. Perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or anytime you want bold, mouthwatering chicken without heating up the whole kitchen, this recipe is all about rewarding you *fast* with big flavor—straight from your air fryer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together for epic results. Every element here pulls its weight, from building smoky foundation flavors to giving you that irresistible caramelized finish.
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: These stay juicy through air frying, delivering loads of flavor and an ultra-crisp skin.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the spices cling and ensures the skin gets its appetizing golden crunch.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky aroma and that classic BBQ essence without firing up the grill.
- Garlic powder: Lends savory depth in every bite and complements the other spices beautifully.
- Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spice blend for a comforting, well-balanced flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, this brings out the best in your chicken and the rub.
- Black pepper: Just the right touch of heat to balance the smoky and sweet elements.
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand): The finishing touch, giving you sticky, caramelized goodness and signature BBQ flair.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)
Step 1: Preheat Your Ninja Speedi
Start by preheating your Ninja Speedi on the Air Fry setting at 400°F for about 3 minutes. This quick step makes all the difference, giving you that extra crispy skin right from the moment your chicken hits the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
While your Ninja Speedi is warming up, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting the skin to crisp up later. Add them to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to make sure every nook and cranny is coated in that tasty seasoning.
Step 3: Air Fry (First Side)
Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the air fryer basket. Pop them in the preheated air fryer and let them cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Cooking skin side down first renders more fat and helps develop an even, crispy surface.
Step 4: Flip and Add BBQ Sauce
Carefully flip each chicken thigh over—now skin side up. Brush them generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. Slide the basket back in, and continue air frying for another 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling sauce and a crispy, lacquered skin, plus an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Step 5: Extra Caramelization
For that signature, sticky BBQ finish that sets these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) apart, brush on a little more BBQ sauce and give the chicken a final 2-minute blast in the air fryer. This step deepens the caramelization and adds an irresistible sheen.
Step 6: Rest, Then Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the basket and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting is crucial—it keeps the juices sealed in, so every bite is succulent and flavorful.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi)
Garnishes
Top your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A few thin slices of green onion or a light dusting of smoked paprika can also add visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken is perfect with summer classics like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes. If you’re feeling inspired, try pairing with a light cucumber salad or your favorite cornbread for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style dinner, stack the chicken thighs on a serving platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. You can also shred the meat and use it in sandwiches or wraps, or serve it over a bed of greens for a high-protein BBQ salad experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays surprisingly moist and flavorful, even after sitting overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi), let the cooked thighs cool completely before placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your chicken in the Ninja Speedi or air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until hot and the skin re-crisps nicely. You can also reheat quickly in the microwave, but the skin won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time by about 4–5 minutes to avoid overcooking, as boneless thighs cook quicker. You’ll still get that legendary BBQ flavor and satisfying crispiness.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?
Nope! The seasoning rub and BBQ sauce pack plenty of flavor in a short time. But if you want to prep ahead, you can season and refrigerate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
It’s totally up to you! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. Classic smoky, spicy, sweet, or even honey BBQ all work brilliantly on these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi).
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. You’ll also notice the skin is golden and the juices run clear.
Can I double this recipe in the Ninja Speedi?
You can, but be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary so the hot air has room to circulate, ensuring every piece gets perfectly crisp and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) are proof that you don’t need a grill or tons of time to serve up absolutely sensational BBQ chicken at home. If you’re craving golden, saucy goodness with minimal cleanup, give this recipe a try—you and anyone you share it with are sure to be hooked!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs (Ninja Speedi) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs made in the Ninja Speedi are a quick and easy dinner option that delivers crispy, flavorful chicken every time. The seasoning blend and BBQ sauce create a deliciously savory dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the Ninja Speedi using the Air Fry mode at 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry, season with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, brush with BBQ sauce, and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes.
- Finish Cooking: Brush with more BBQ sauce, air fry for 2 more minutes until crispy. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by about 4–5 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Great served with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
