Southern cooking has a way of making every meal feel like a warm hug. There’s something about BBQ chicken that always takes me back to family gatherings, sitting around the table with a plate full of crispy, juicy chicken and the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce.
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This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe combines that Southern comfort with the convenience of modern cooking, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The chicken comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all thanks to the air fryer. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
A Southern food classic
I’ve always had a love for Southern food. Growing up, Sunday dinners were a big deal in my family. The smell of fried chicken, cornbread, and sweet tea filled the air as we gathered around the table. BBQ chicken was a staple, often served at family picnics or holiday celebrations.
What I love most about Southern cooking is its simplicity and the joy it brings when shared with loved ones. It’s all about comfort, tradition, and a bit of that Southern hospitality that makes every bite feel like home.
Ingredients
How to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Making this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is as easy as it gets. You’ll start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), giving it a few minutes to warm up. While the air fryer heats, you’ll prepare the marinade by mixing together oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then coat them with the marinade.
After a short marinating time, pop the drumsticks into the air fryer and cook until golden brown. A quick glaze of BBQ sauce and a final air fryer blast gives the chicken a mouthwatering finish.
Serving suggestions
Southern BBQ chicken is perfect for a casual family dinner or a backyard BBQ. Serve it alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, baked beans, or crispy coleslaw. You can even add a slice of cornbread for that perfect Southern touch.
For an extra bit of flair, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Enjoy it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade to make the meal even more special.
Storage tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the chicken back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months, making sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Southern farewell
Southern food is all about bringing people together and creating memories over delicious meals. This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken holds a special place in my heart because it brings together the flavors I grew up loving with the convenience of today’s kitchen gadgets.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a simple meal, I hope this recipe makes your day a little bit more flavorful. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home too!
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pat the 10 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick to the chicken. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- After marinating, arrange the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket. Be sure they’re not overlapping to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 22-25 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides cook evenly and become golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss until each drumstick is coated in sauce.
- Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the BBQ sauce and give the chicken a crispy, flavorful finish.
- After 2-3 minutes, your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot with your favorite Southern sides!
