The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe

This is my go-to Air Fryer BBQ Chicken recipe! Whether grilled or air fried, this Filipino-style BBQ Chicken legs in air fryer has simple ingredients that are perfect for the summer! The great thing is that the chicken drumsticks are butterflied so that they are easier and quicker to cook. And the pineapple adds a nice sweet touch too!

But you don’t have to cook these delicious BBQ Chicken Legs strictly during summertime. The air fryer does the best job cooking any time of the year. Any season, rain or shine, the air fryer comes through for a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.

This Air fryer BBQ Chicken Legs was inspired by my other chicken drumsticks recipes on this site like Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Baked Chicken Legs (Korean-style) and pairs well with these amazing side dishes: Cilantro Lime Rice and Garlic Fried Rice.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Air fryer Barbecue Chicken
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• How to reheat and store Air fryer BBQ Chicken
• 3 Top Tips for Success
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe
• Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – kinda healthy
• Crispy Lemongrass Air Fryer Drumsticks
• Food safety

Why you will love this recipe

• Versatile Cooking Options: To air fry or to grill, that is the question. The best part about this recipe is its versatility. I prefer sing the air fryer as it is easier to clean (in my opinion).
  
• Bursting with Flavor: My favorite barbecue sauce and marinade in this recipe is amazing! The combination of ingredients such as lime soda, banana ketchup, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic infuses the meat with a sweet, tangy, and salty flavor. 
  
• Ease of Preparation: This main dish, like all my other air fryer recipes, is straightforward. Marinate, make my homemade BBQ Sauce, air fry, then baste. Very meal prep material!

Ingredients

Chicken legs or drumsticks

BBQ Chicken Legs Marinade: 

Lime soda

Banana ketchup
Soy sauce 

Pineapple chunks

Brown sugar

Garlic

Pepper 

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Air fryer Barbecue Chicken

• PREP THE CHICKEN: Butterfly the chicken drumsticks. Use a knife or kitchen shears. 
• In a bowl with a lid, combine the marinade ingredients. 
• Pour the marinade over the chicken legs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the container and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to enhance the flavours.
• ASIAN BBQ SAUCE: In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. Bring it to a boil and lower it to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes. 
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
• Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket skin side down. 
• AIR FRY: Air fry the chicken legs at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes, flipping them halfway. Baste it a few times while the chicken is cooking
• Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs with the Asian BBQ sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fry.

BBQ INSTRUCTIONS: Grill the chicken drumsticks until you reach the desired internal temperature 165°F (74°C).

Substitutions

1. Lime soda – If you don’t have lime soda on hand, you can use Sprite as a suitable replacement. Both provide a citrusy and bubbly element to the marinade.
   
2. Banana ketchup – Regular ketchup works as an alternative to banana ketchup. It will still provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade.
   
3. Soy sauce – Soy sauce adds a savory and umami taste to the marinade. There is no direct substitute for soy sauce, but you can try using tamari sauce or coconut aminos if you want a gluten-free option.
   
4. Pineapple chunks – Pineapple chunks add a hint of sweetness and tropical flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with canned or fresh diced mango for a similar fruity touch.
5. Brown sugar – Brown sugar lends a rich sweetness to the marinade. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
   
6. Garlic – Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic taste to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
   
7. Pepper – Pepper adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the marinade. Feel free to use either freshly ground black pepper or pre-ground black pepper based on your availability.
   

Remember, while these substitutions can provide similar flavors, the taste may differ slightly from the original recipe. 

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Legs:

• Follow the original recipe for the marinade and Asian barbeque sauce as mentioned or with your favorite bbq sauce.
• To make it spicy, add the following ingredients:
  • 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or sriracha (adjust according to your spice tolerance).
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for an extra fiery flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky and spicy twist.
    

Smoky BBQ Chicken Legs:

• Replace the lime soda with ½ cup of cola for a deep, smoky flavor.
• Substitute the banana ketchup with 1 cup of hickory-flavored barbecue sauce for a rich and smoky taste.
• Add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky profile.
• Include 1 teaspoon of paprika and ½ teaspoon of cumin for an additional smoky and earthy undertone.

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Small saucepan
• Bowl 
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Pastry brush

How to reheat and store Air fryer BBQ Chicken

• To store: Allow Air fryer BBQ Chicken to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  
• To reheat: Reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes or on a preheated grill for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Ensure the chicken legs are heated through before serving.

FAQ

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.