Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why I Created Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker
A Mom’s Shortcut That Tastes Like the Real Thing
This fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker recipe started on a rainy Tuesday.
No grill. No time. But a hungry family and a BBQ craving? Always.
So, I threw some seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, hoping for the best. Later, I crisped it up in the air fryer.
The result? Smoky, tender, sticky BBQ-style chicken with barely any effort. My kids thought I grilled it. I didn’t correct them.
When BBQ Feels Impossible, This Recipe Saves the Day
Since that first night, this fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker trick has been my go-to.
It’s perfect when you’re too busy to fire up the grill or when it’s raining and you’ve got 20 minutes to dinner.
It’s also great for meal prep. I’ll slow-cook extra chicken, shred it, and use it later in air fryer pulled chicken sandwiches or tacos.
You can even turn leftovers into quick weeknight bowls with rice and veggies.
I love to batch it while I prep chicken divan in slow cooker or throw in some slow cooker ribeye steaks for another meal.
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Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker: Flavor Without the Grill
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker is the ultimate weeknight solution—tender, saucy, and crisped to perfection without using a grill.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder.
2. Place chicken in slow cooker with half the BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Remove chicken, drain excess liquid, and brush with remaining sauce.
5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
6. Place chicken in air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing again with sauce.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
You can shred the chicken after air frying for pulled chicken sandwiches.
Use bone-in chicken if preferred, adjusting the cook time slightly.
Make it smoky by adding 1/4 tsp liquid smoke in the slow cooker stage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
How Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker Works So Well
Better Than the Grill on a Busy Night
The secret to fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker is using both appliances the smart way.
The slow cooker gives you that deep, all-day BBQ flavor just like true slow cooker BBQ chicken.
Then the air fryer finishes it with crisp edges, caramelized sauce, and a smoky texture you can’t get from boiling or baking.
It’s like combining your favorite air fryer BBQ chicken recipe with the tenderness of crockpot BBQ chicken thighs all in under 30 minutes of hands-on time.
Real Flavor, No Fuss
This method works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks. And it’s flexible cook low and slow during the day, crisp and serve in minutes at night.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a recipe that works for the whole family, this one’s it.
It’s flavorful, simple, and yes totally fake. But nobody will ever know.
How to Cook Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker
Use the Right Chicken for Air Frying Success
If you want that golden, caramelized finish, you need the right cut. For this fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker, boneless thighs are your best bet. They’re juicy, forgiving, and crisp up beautifully.
Breasts can work, but slice them evenly for faster, even air frying. Drumsticks? Totally fine too, especially if you’re going for that backyard BBQ vibe without the grill.
This air fryer BBQ chicken recipe pairs perfectly with quick sides like slow cooker corn on the cob or fresh salads when you’re keeping it light.
Cook Time, Temps & the Secret Sauce Trick
The secret to perfect fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker isn’t just timing it’s layering your sauce. Too much at once, and you’ll burn the sugar. Too late, and it won’t stick.
Here’s how to do it right:
| Chicken Cut | Temp (°F) | Time (min) | Flip | Sauce Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boneless thighs | 375°F | 14–16 | Yes | Midway + End |
| Drumsticks | 390°F | 18–20 | Yes | Midway + End |
| Chicken breast slices | 375°F | 12–14 | Yes | Light coat only |
Apply your first brush of sauce halfway through. Then, after air frying, coat again while it’s hot. This gives you that sticky finish that feels straight from the pit.
Want it extra smoky? Use a mix of smoked paprika and brown sugar in your rub before cooking. That combo mimics a real air fryer BBQ chicken recipe beautifully.
I often make a big batch and split it half for dinner, half turned into air fryer pulled chicken sliders the next day. Paired with something fresh like summer slow cooker recipes, it’s a total time-saver.
How to Prep Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker with a Crockpot
Start with Flavor-Ready Chicken in the Slow Cooker
To get the best texture in your fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker, the first step is slow cooking your meat low and steady.
For this, boneless thighs or crockpot BBQ chicken thighs are perfect. They don’t dry out and soak up every drop of flavor. Breasts also work but need more sauce and less time.
Here’s your cheat sheet for slow cooking:
| Setting | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 6–7 hours | Richer, juicier result |
| HIGH | 3–4 hours | Quicker, still flavorful |
Add half of your BBQ sauce before cooking and save the rest for later. This prevents it from getting too watery.
Pro tip: Toss in some chopped onions or a splash of apple cider vinegar it deepens the flavor of any slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe.
If I know the day’s going to be crazy, I pair this with chicken leg slow cooker meals to prep ahead for multiple dinners.
Sauce Timing is Everything for the Perfect Finish
Once your chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp), drain any excess liquid.
Now it’s time for the second layer of flavor sauce and crisping.
Toss your chicken with the remaining sauce and move it to the air fryer. This combo method transforms basic slow cooker BBQ chicken into something sticky, smoky, and crave-worthy.
That’s the magic of fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker you control the flavor depth and texture.
I usually do this when I’m prepping dishes like chicken divan in slow cooker because both recipes cook side by side.
Hybrid Method for the Best Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker
Why the Combo Method Wins Every Time
Some nights you want tender, fall-apart BBQ. Others, you want that crisp, sticky skin.
With this hybrid method, you don’t have to choose.
Using both your slow cooker and air fryer creates the ultimate fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker experience moist, bold, and crispy in all the right ways.
It’s like combining crockpot BBQ chicken thighs with a high-heat BBQ finish.
You get the low-and-slow tenderness of pulled chicken, plus the bold caramelization from air frying. Together, they’re unbeatable.
Step-by-Step: From Slow Cook to Crispy Finish
Here’s how to master this hybrid fake BBQ technique:
- Slow cook your chicken (3–6 hours) with half your sauce and seasoning.
- Once fully cooked, drain liquid and brush with fresh sauce.
- Transfer to air fryer, 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush again after air frying for that signature sticky finish.
This method works especially well for family dinners and meal prep.
I love to turn leftovers into air fryer pulled chicken sandwiches or BBQ bowls.
Need an easy side to go with it? Pair with rice cooker recipes or serve over Hawaiian chicken sheet pan for a BBQ-inspired plate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fake BBQ Chicken in Air Fryer Slow Cooker
How long do you cook BBQ chicken in the air fryer?
For best results, cook BBQ chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with extra sauce at the end for a sticky, caramelized finish. This step brings your fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker to life.
How long does barbecue chicken take in a slow cooker?
It depends on the setting. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Always check the internal temperature it should reach 165°F. For this recipe, slow-cooked chicken becomes the perfect base before crisping in the air fryer.
Can I use barbecue sauce in an air fryer?
Yes, but use it wisely. Add a thin layer halfway through air frying to avoid burning, then brush again right after cooking. This technique is key when finishing your slow cooker BBQ chicken in the air fryer.
How to make chargrilled chicken in an air fryer?
To mimic grilled flavor, use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in your rub. Then air fry until crisp. This approach gives your air fryer BBQ chicken recipe the smoky finish it needs without using a grill.
Do you put sauce before or after the air fryer?
Both. Add a light coat before cooking to infuse flavor, then glaze with more sauce at the end for that signature sticky texture. That’s the trick to getting fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker just right.
Is there anything you cannot put in an air fryer?
Yes avoid wet batters, large fatty cuts, and items with too much liquid. They can splatter, smoke, or cook unevenly. For BBQ chicken, draining excess juices after slow cooking is essential before air frying.
Conclusion: Real Flavor Without the Fuss
If you’ve ever craved BBQ but lacked the time, grill, or energy this recipe was made for you.
Fake BBQ chicken in air fryer slow cooker is more than a shortcut. It’s a smart way to get that slow-smoked taste and crispy finish using tools you already have.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, making a last-minute family dinner, or just want to impress with minimal effort, this dish delivers every time.
One bite and you’ll understand fake never tasted so real.
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