Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast
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Savory Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast: Backyard Flavor in 20 Minutes

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Introduction

Bring the flavors of a summer barbecue to your dinner table any time of year with our Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast recipe! This dish combines the rich, smoky taste of barbecue with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for satisfying your BBQ cravings without firing up the grill.

Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast on a white gold-rimmed ceramic plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes
  • Healthier option: Uses minimal oil while delivering maximum BBQ flavor
  • Versatile: Great on its own, sliced for sandwiches, or topped on salads
  • Year-round BBQ: Enjoy the taste of outdoor grilling any time of year

Ingredients

For the barbecue rub:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional, for serving:

  • Your favorite BBQ sauce
Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast Ingredients laid out on the white marble countertop

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Pro Tip: The Cosori Air Fryer ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization of the barbecue rub!

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together all the barbecue rub ingredients.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then brush them lightly with olive oil.
  4. Generously coat each chicken breast with the barbecue rub, pressing it in to adhere.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  6. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts.
  7. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving.
  9. If desired, serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast recipe Collage

Tips for Success

  • For maximum flavor, apply the rub to the chicken breasts and refrigerate for 2-4 hours before cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
  • If you prefer a saucier BBQ chicken, brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Variations

  • Sweet and Spicy: Increase the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons and the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon in the rub.
  • Herb-Infused BBQ: Add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary to the rub for an herbaceous twist.
egular barbecue rubbed chicken and the sweet and spicy variation on white gold-rimmed plates

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast with a side of coleslaw and corn on the cob for a complete BBQ-inspired meal. For an extra special presentation, use these stylish White and Gold Serving Platters.

barbecue rubbed chicken breast plated with coleslaw and corn on the cob on a white and gold rimmed platter

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container like these Glass Food Storage Containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast recipe, you might also like these recipes from our Air Fryer Chicken Breast collection:

For more delicious air fryer chicken recipes, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post.

Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast Conclusion

We hope this Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast recipe brings the joy of outdoor barbecues to your kitchen, any day of the year! It’s a perfect example of how air frying can create that coveted BBQ flavor with minimal effort and time. Don’t forget to share your barbecue creations with us on social media and let us know your favorite BBQ sides in the comments below.

Air Fryer Barbecue Rubbed Chicken Breast on a gold fork

Happy air frying!

This recipe is part of our Air Fryer Chicken Breast series. Discover more air fryer chicken recipes in our [Link to Air Fryer Chicken Breast Round-up Post] or explore all our air fryer chicken collections in our [Link to Master Air Fryer Chicken Round-up Post].

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