Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders combine tender shredded chicken with bold barbecue flavors for a comforting dish ideal for gatherings or casual meals. The air fryer crisps the chicken edges, adding a desirable texture contrast that enhances each bite.
The key flavors blend sweet, smoky, tangy, and savory notes from the BBQ sauce, lifted by seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic. Soft slider buns and optional crisp toppings such as coleslaw or pickles complement the richness. This combination delivers a hearty yet fresh experience that appeals broadly.
This dish stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. Cooking in the air fryer speeds up preparation and crisps the chicken’s edges without the heaviness of deep frying. These sliders assemble quickly and look elegant in bite-sized form, suited for family dinners or entertaining.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This recipe achieves a fine balance of convenience, deep BBQ flavor, and satisfying texture. Tender, simply seasoned chicken pairs with smoky sauce and crisp slider buns, all cooked quickly with juicy, crispy results coming from the air fryer.
- Easy Preparation – Straightforward steps minimize hands-on time for an approachable recipe.
- Balanced BBQ Flavor – Sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce combines perfectly with seasoned chicken.
- Tender with a Crispy Edge – Air frying yields juicy chicken with a lightly crisp exterior.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled – Slider-sized buns offer ideal bite-size servings.
- Less Mess and Cleanup – Air frying reduces oil use and cleanup compared to frying or slow cooking.
What You’ll Need to Make It
Use pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create flavorful sliders at home. These essentials develop juicy pulled chicken and complement the BBQ notes.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – More moist and flavorful than breasts, ensuring tender pulled chicken.
- Quality BBQ Sauce – Delivers the signature sweet, smoky, and tangy profile.
- Slider Buns – Soft, small buns like brioche or potato hold the filling well.
- Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder – Add depth and subtle heat.
- Onion Powder and Black Pepper – Provide savory layers to the chicken seasoning.
- Optional Coleslaw – Adds crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Pickles or Sliced Onions – Brighten and balance flavors with acidity and texture.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Prepare these sliders quickly using minimal steps. The air fryer crisps the chicken edges while keeping the interior tender, creating a satisfying texture combination.
- Season the Chicken – Dry chicken thighs, then sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Air Fry the Chicken – Arrange thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and edges crisp.
- Shred the Chicken – Let cooked chicken rest 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.
- Mix with BBQ Sauce – Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce, coating evenly without soaking.
- Toast the Buns – Lightly butter and toast buns in a skillet or air fryer to add richness and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Sliders – Place BBQ chicken on buns and top with coleslaw or pickles if desired. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Balance the rich, smoky sliders with fresh and vibrant sides that add texture and flavor contrast.
- Classic Coleslaw – Creamy and tangy slaw provides crispness.
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – Offer a sweet, crunchy complement.
- Pickled Vegetables – Bright, acidic bites refresh the palate.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled for sweet, buttery flavor.
- Garden Salad with Vinaigrette – Light greens balance sliders.
- Baked Beans – Hearty and sweet, fitting the BBQ theme.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – Juicy and sweet finish.
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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Cool chicken completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F oven to keep moisture.
- For single servings, use short microwave bursts, covering loosely.
- Freeze shredded BBQ chicken in airtight containers up to two months.
- Add BBQ sauce or chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but breasts cook faster and dry out easier. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Is marinating the chicken overnight necessary?
It boosts flavor and moisture but is optional. Seasoning just before cooking also works well.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook and shred the chicken in advance, then toss with sauce and briefly air fry to crisp before serving.
What are the best buns to use for sliders?
Soft, slightly sweet buns like brioche or potato slider buns hold fillings securely and add a tender bite.
How to stop sliders from getting soggy?
Avoid over-saucing and toast buns lightly to create a moisture barrier. Assemble sliders close to serving.
Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
Equipment
- Air Fryer To cook and crisp the chicken efficiently
- Skillet To toast the slider buns
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs more moist and flavorful than breasts, ensures tender pulled chicken
- 1 cup quality BBQ sauce delivers sweet, smoky, and tangy profile
- 12 slider buns soft small buns like brioche or potato hold the filling well
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth and subtle heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds depth and subtle heat
- 1 teaspoon onion powder provides savory layers
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper provides savory layers
- salt to taste, for seasoning chicken
- optional coleslaw adds crisp, refreshing crunch as a topping
- pickles or sliced onions brighten and balance flavors with acidity and texture, optional topping
Instructions
- Dry chicken thighs, then sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over them.
- Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and edges are crisp.
- Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.
- Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce, coating evenly without soaking.
- Lightly butter and toast slider buns in a skillet or air fryer to add richness and prevent sogginess.
- Place BBQ chicken on toasted buns and top with coleslaw or pickles if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cool chicken completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F oven to keep moisture.
- For single servings, use short microwave bursts, covering loosely.
- Freeze shredded BBQ chicken in airtight containers up to two months.
- Add BBQ sauce or chicken broth before reheating to restore moisture.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sunday 29th of June 2025
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Sunday 29th of June 2025
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