Pulled chicken is the leaner cousin of pulled pork — tender, shreddable and tossed in BBQ sauce. The air fryer cooks the chicken juicy in 20 minutes, then you shred and sauce it. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make pulled chicken in an air fryer?
A: Air fry chicken thighs at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes to 74°C, then shred with two forks and toss with BBQ sauce.
Q: Thighs or breast?
A: Thighs shred juicier; breast works for a leaner result.
The method
Season chicken thighs and air fry until cooked through and tender. Rest briefly, then shred with two forks and toss with BBQ sauce. For sticky edges, return the saucy chicken to the air fryer for a couple of minutes. Pile into buns, wraps or onto loaded fries.
The recipe
Air Fryer Pulled Chicken
Ingredients
- 700g chicken thighs
- 1 tsp paprika, garlic
- 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Season; air fry at 190°C for 18–22 minutes.
- Rest, then shred with two forks.
- Toss with BBQ sauce.
- Crisp 2 minutes more if you like.
Tips
- Thighs shred juicier than breast.
- Sauce after shredding so it coats evenly.
- Crisp the saucy edges for texture.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make pulled chicken in an air fryer?
Air fry chicken thighs at 190°C for 18–22 minutes to 74°C, rest, then shred with two forks and toss with BBQ sauce. Crisp the saucy chicken for a couple of minutes if you like.
Thighs or breast for pulled chicken?
Thighs shred juicier and more tender; breast gives a leaner result but can dry out, so don't overcook it.
What do you serve pulled chicken with?
Pile it into buns or wraps, onto loaded fries, or over a salad or rice bowl.