It’s happened more than once. I think it was a CNN mediot who referred to Nelson Mandela as an “African American.” Personally I never use the term unless quoting someone else. It’s stupid.
My sister had an African American friend in High School. She had red hair and freckles, and was born in South Africa.
If you are describing someone that was born in Africa but is now an American citizen, then it would be correct to call them African-American.
For instance: Charlize Theron is African-American.