Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken – Easy, Crispy, and Delicious

Have you ever walked through your front door after a long day, stomach growling, craving something delicious but dreading the thought of spending hours in the kitchen? I’ve been there too! This Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken recipe is my go-to solution for those evenings when I want something that tastes like I’ve been cooking all day but requires minimal effort.

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures – juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a creamy, tangy mayo mixture, then air fried to crispy perfection and glazed with sweet and smoky BBQ sauce. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these cook is absolutely mouthwatering, and the first bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, flavorful meat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this easy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken recipe stand out is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to impress dinner guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooking ease.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

• ✅ Perfect crispy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken with minimal oil and maximum flavor
• ✅ Complete healthy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken meal ready in under 30 minutes
• ✅ Foolproof easy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken preparation even beginners can master
• ✅ Versatile recipe allows for multiple flavored Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken variations
• ✅ Ideal for Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken meal prep – makes delicious leftovers
• ✅ Kid-friendly dinner that the whole family will request again and again
• ✅ Easily adaptable for gluten-free Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken diets

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks, patted dry
• ½ cup mayonnaise (use avocado oil mayo for healthier Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken options)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow both work well)
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
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Ingredient Notes:

• For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mayo mixture
• Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a lighter option
• For gluten-free Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken recipes, ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving the best Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken techniques for even cooking.

Step 2: While the air fryer preheats, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key for crispy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken tips to work effectively.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, crushed garlic, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Coating and Cooking

Step 4: Add the chicken drumsticks to the mayo mixture and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. The mayo mixture serves as both a marinade and a cooking medium, helping to lock in moisture.

Step 5: Place the coated drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 6: Cook for 10 minutes at 380°F (193°C), then flip the drumsticks and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes. The exact Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken cooking time will vary based on the size of your drumsticks and your specific air fryer model.

Step 7: Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Adding the BBQ Sauce

Step 8: Brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce and return to the air fryer for 2-3 more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.

Step 9: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket – this is essential for proper air circulation and achieving that coveted crispy exterior
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the mayo mixture for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator before cooking
• If you prefer crispy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken tips that really work, try spraying the chicken with a little olive oil spray right before air frying
• The mayo coating helps the chicken stay juicy and adds richness without making the final dish taste like mayonnaise
• For leaner healthy Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken options, use skinless chicken thighs instead of drumsticks
• Apply BBQ sauce in the final few minutes of cooking to prevent burning
• For best Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken techniques, always cook similar-sized pieces together to ensure even cooking

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with numerous sides for a complete meal. Here are some perfect Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken with side dishes ideas:

• Classic coleslaw for a traditional BBQ combo
• Air fryer sweet potato fries for a complete air fryer meal
• Steamed broccoli or green beans for a lower-carb option
• Corn on the cob for a summer-inspired feast
• Garlic mashed potatoes for comfort food perfection
• Simple garden salad with ranch dressing for a lighter meal

For a complete BBQ-themed dinner party, serve alongside our Instant Pot Baked Beans and Homemade Corn Bread.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

(Per serving, based on 2 drumsticks)

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 8g (2g for keto-friendly Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken ideas)
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 6g (0g with sugar-free BBQ sauce)
• Sodium: 720mg

This nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Storage & Leftovers

This Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken for meal prep works beautifully, as it stores and reheats exceptionally well:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This maintains the crispy exterior. Microwave reheating works but will result in less crispy skin.

Leftover chicken is delicious cold in salads or sandwiches, making it perfect for lunch meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook BBQ mayo chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer is actually the perfect appliance for Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken as it creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. The mayo coating helps lock in moisture and creates a perfect base for the BBQ sauce to adhere to.

What temperature do you cook chicken in an air fryer?

For Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken, 380°F (193°C) is the ideal temperature. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the exterior. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

How long to air fry chicken thighs?

If you’re substituting bone-in chicken thighs for drumsticks in this Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken recipe, air fry them at 380°F (193°C) for about 18-22 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Boneless thighs will cook faster, typically in 12-15 minutes.

Can you use mayonnaise in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Contrary to what some might think, mayonnaise works wonderfully in air fryer recipes like this Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken. The mayo doesn’t smoke or burn; instead, it creates a protective coating that keeps the chicken moist while helping seasonings stick to the meat.

Variations of Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken

Try these delicious flavored Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken variations:

1. Spicy Buffalo Style: Add hot sauce to the mayo mixture and serve with blue cheese dressing
2. Garlic Parmesan: Mix grated Parmesan into the mayo coating and finish with Italian herbs
3. Honey Mustard: Replace half the BBQ sauce with honey mustard for a tangy-sweet glaze
4. Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the mayo mixture
5. Asian-Inspired: Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ and add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the mayo

Conclusion

This Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of an air fryer, you can create juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior that’s coated in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep solution, or crowd-pleasing party food, this versatile recipe has you covered. The combination of the creamy mayo coating and smoky BBQ glaze creates depth of flavor that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

Have you tried making Air Fryer BBQ Mayo Chicken before? I’d love to hear about your experience or any creative variations you’ve discovered in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate delicious, easy cooking.

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