Air-Fryer Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs

AF-200 Crew BBQ Recipe

Air-Fryer Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs

This is barbecue with a bit of attitude. Sweet honey. Smoky chipotle. Juicy chicken thighs. Dark sticky edges that make you keep reaching back to the tray.

Air-Fryer Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs
Air-Fryer Honey Chipotle Chicken Thighs preparation stage

You’ll Need

8 chicken thighs, skin on
1 tbsp olive oil

Chipotle Seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp chipotle paste

Honey Chipotle Glaze
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tsp chipotle paste
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Optional But Dangerous
Corn ribs
Loaded potato wedges
Coleslaw
Extra chipotle sauce

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with kitchen paper.

Mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chipotle paste.

Coat the chicken thoroughly, making sure every thigh is fully covered.

Place skin-side up into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Air fry for 22–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, chipotle paste, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush the thighs generously with the glaze.

Return to the fryer and allow the glaze to become sticky, dark, and caramelised.

Remove carefully and allow to rest for 2 minutes.

Serve immediately while still sizzling hot.

Lad Tip: Chicken thighs are the pitmaster's best friend. They stay juicy, forgive mistakes, and somehow taste even better when the edges get slightly over-charred. Don't fear a little colour — that's where the barbecue flavour lives.

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