Barbecue chicken is a staple of American backyard cooking, especially in the South and Midwest, where grilling and smoky flavors are celebrated. Chicken thighs are favored for their juiciness and ability to stay tender on the grill or in an air fryer, making them a comfort food for family gatherings and summer cookouts.

In the Carolinas, vinegar‑based sauces dominate, while Kansas City favors a thick, sweet tomato‑based glaze. Texas leans toward a smoky, peppery rub, and Memphis adds a tangy, mustard‑infused sauce. The recipe from Simply Air Fryer uses a classic sweet‑smoky BBQ sauce that reflects the Kansas City style.

They are often served with classic sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad. The thighs can be presented on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, making them a crowd‑pleasing main dish for picnics and casual dinners.

Barbecue chicken is popular at summer barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, family reunions, and casual weekend gatherings. Its quick cooking time in an air fryer also makes it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals while still feeling festive.

Traditional recipes call for bone‑in, skin‑on chicken thighs, a simple rub of salt, pepper, garlic, and a sweet‑smoky tomato‑based BBQ sauce. Substitutes include boneless thighs (shorter cooking time) or using a different sauce such as honey‑mustard or a spicy chipotle glaze, though the flavor profile will shift.

Great pairings include creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, mac & cheese, baked beans, or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a complete Southern‑style meal, serve with cornbread and pickles.

The air fryer delivers the smoky, caramelized crust of a traditional grill without the need for outdoor fire, reducing mess and cooking time while still producing juicy, flavorful meat. It also allows for precise temperature control, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature quickly.

Common errors include overcrowding the basket, which steams the chicken instead of crisping it, not preheating the air fryer, and applying the BBQ sauce too early, which can cause the sugars to burn. Also, skipping the internal temperature check can lead to undercooked meat.

Applying sauce in stages prevents the sugars from burning during the high‑heat initial cooking phase and allows the sauce to caramelize gradually, building layers of flavor and a glossy, sticky finish while keeping the skin crisp.

Yes, you can season and marinate the thighs up to 24 hours in advance. After cooking, store the thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes to restore crispness.

The YouTube channel Simply Air Fryer focuses on quick, healthy, and delicious recipes that can be prepared using an air fryer. The channel emphasizes easy‑to‑follow tutorials, minimal cleanup, and adapting classic dishes for air‑fryer cooking.

Simply Air Fryer tailors traditional American comfort foods—like fried chicken, burgers, and BBQ dishes—to the air‑fryer format, highlighting reduced oil usage and faster cooking times while preserving flavor. Other channels may stick to conventional oven or stovetop methods, whereas Simply Air Fryer showcases the appliance’s versatility.