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    Home » Air Fryer

    The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe

    Published: May 19, 2023 by Carmen Spillette · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print 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!

    Bbq chicken in air fryer

    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

    Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

    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

    butterfly chicken drumsticks

    Butterfly your chicken drumsticks

    Marinade air fryer bbq chicken

    Make the marinade

    asian bbq sauce

    Make the Asian BBQ Sauce

    air fry bbq chicken legs

    Air fry or grill – you do you!

    • 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).

    butterflied chicken drumstick
    butterflied chicken

    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.

    air fryer barbecue chicken

    3 Top Tips for Success

    1. Proper Marination: Take the time to marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
    2. Temperature and Timing: Pay close attention to the cooking temperature and timing to achieve perfectly cooked BBQ chicken legs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
    3. Basting and Sauce Application: During the cooking process, baste all sides of the chicken with marinade or BBQ sauce to add moisture and flavor. This step helps to create a delicious glaze and prevents the chicken legs from drying out. Additionally, brushing the chicken legs with the Asian BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cook time adds an extra layer of flavor and caramelization.

    FAQ

    How long does it take to cook a chicken leg in an air fryer?

    Cooking a chicken leg in an air fryer typically takes about 20-25 minutes, but cooking time may vary based on size and air fryer model. Check the internal temperature (165 degrees F) of the chicken from time to time for best results.

    What temperature should I BBQ in air fryer?

    Cook the BBQ in air fryer at 380°F to 400°F (193°C to 200°C). This sweet spot will give your chicken that golden-brown exterior while keeping it succulent and juicy on the inside. Don’t forget to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.

    Is it better to air fryer or grill chicken?

    Air frying is the easiest way to cook your favorite chicken drumsticks and achieve that crispy skin with less oil. But grilling imparts a smoky, charred flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you’re looking for a quick and healthier option, go for the air fryer. If you crave that authentic grill flavor and have the time, fire up the grill!

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • air fryer short ribs
      Easy Korean Beef Short Ribs in Air Fryer Recipe
    • air fryer ribs
      Easy Sticky Air Fryer Ribs only 4 Ingredients
    • air fryer ribeye
      The Best Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe with Garlic Butter
    • air fryer salmon bites
      Easy Air Fryer Salmon Bites (only 13 minutes)

    Pairing

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

    • roasted parmesan crusted cauliflower
      Roasted Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower Recipe
    • garlic fried rice sinangag
      Easy Filipino Garlic Fried Rice Recipe (Sinangag)
    • smashed sweet potatoes
      Smashed Sweet Potato (5 ingredients)
    • best steak sauce
      Best Steak Sauce (ready in 5 minutes)
    air fried bbq chicken
    Print
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    The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Recipe

    5 from 1 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    This is my go-to Air Fryer BBQ Chicken! This Filipino-style BBQ Chicken Legs in air fryer is a must. You can grill it or air fry it. The ingredients are simple and perfect for summer. The pineapple adds a nice sweet touch. The best part of this is the chicken drumsticks are butterflied so that it is easier and quicker to cook.

    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: makes 6 chicken legs 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 lbs of chicken legs or drumsticks, butterflied


    BBQ Chicken Legs Marinade:

    ½ cup lime soda (sub: sprite)

    1 cup banana ketchup (sub: regular ketchup)

    ¼ cup soy sauce

    ½ can pineapple chunks

    ½ cup brown sugar

    6 cloves smashed garlic

    1 teaspoon pepper


    Asian BBQ Sauce

    1 cup banana ketchup

    ½ can pineapple chunks

    ½ cup brown sugar

    ¼ cup soy sauce

    3 cloves smashed garlic

    Instructions

    1. PREP THE CHICKEN: Butterfly the chicken drumsticks. Use a knife or kitchen shears. 
    2. In a bowl with a lid, combine the marinade ingredients. 
    3. 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.
    4. 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. 
    5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
    6. Place the chicken legs in the air fryer basket skin side down. 
    7. 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
    8. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
    9. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs with the Asian BBQ sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
    10. Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the air fry.

    Equipment

    Image of measuring spoons

    measuring spoons

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    Image of bowl with lid

    bowl with lid

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    Image of knife

    knife

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    Image of cutting board

    cutting board

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    Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer

    Air Fryer

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    Kana Cast Iron Pans

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    Notes

     

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

    • Author: Carmen
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Marinating time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: mains
    • Method: air fry
    • Cuisine: asian

    Keywords: bbq chicken legs, bbq chicken legs air fryer, air fryer bbq chicken

    Did you make this recipe?

    PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW

    air fryer sweet and sour chicken

    Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe – kinda healthy

    Air fryer sweet and sour chicken is a healthy and delicious twist on a classic Chinese takeout dish. Made with crispy air-fried chicken and a tangy sweet and sour sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

    Get recipe here

    Crispy Lemongrass Air Fryer Drumsticks

    These Lemongrass Air Fryer Drumsticks are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor. They are super easy to make. These chicken legs are butterflied to make it easier to eat and better for the marinade to stick which means extra flavor and less marinating time.

    Get recipe here
    Roundup post powered by Tasty Roundups

    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.






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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Camille Reed

      May 24, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      Ridiculously easy to make and my kids loved every bite!






      Reply
      • Carmen

        May 25, 2023 at 12:25 am

        Amazing to hear that!

        Reply

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