The Best Filipino-Style BBQ Chicken Legs (Air Fryer Recipe)

Filipino-style BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Traditionally cooked over charcoal, this dish becomes easier and more accessible with an air fryer while keeping the classic taste intact. The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy and tender inside.

Here’s how you can make Filipino-style BBQ chicken legs in the air fryer for a quick, flavorful meal!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 6–8 chicken legs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup banana ketchup (or regular ketchup for substitution)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon/lime juice as an alternative)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Basting:

• 2 tablespoons banana ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Wash and pat dry the chicken legs. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each leg to help the marinade penetrate.

In a large bowl, mix soy sauce, banana ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, calamansi juice, and vegetable oil.

Add the chicken legs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken for Cooking

Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Pat them lightly with a paper towel to avoid too much liquid in the air fryer.

Mix the basting sauce by combining banana ketchup, honey (or brown sugar), and soy sauce in a small bowl.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Place the chicken legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.

Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken legs generously with the basting sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish.

Step 5: Check and Serve

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked.

Serve hot with your favorite sides like garlic rice, pickled papaya (atchara), or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Filipino-Style BBQ Chicken

• Use banana ketchup: This Filipino condiment gives the BBQ its signature sweetness and tang. Regular ketchup works, but banana ketchup provides a more authentic flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is essential for even cooking, so cook in batches if needed.
• Marinate overnight: Longer marination means deeper, richer flavors.
• Add char: For that grilled, smoky effect, consider using the broil function after air frying or brushing with a smoky BBQ sauce.

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