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🔥🍯 Crispy Air Fryer Chipotle Honey Wings! Sweet, smoky, and spicy with the perfect crunch. Perfect for game day or quick and easy dinners!

Close-up of a hand holding a saucy chipotle honey chicken wing with red nail polish.

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Chipotle Honey Wings

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss, these Chipotle Honey Wings are exactly what you need. Made in the air fryer, these wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a smoky, sweet sauce that’s hard to resist. This chipotle honey wings recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for game day or parties.

The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet honey, and roasted red peppers makes these wings irresistible. Whether you call them chipotle chicken wings or chipotle honey chicken wings, one thing is sure – they’ll be gone fast.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make in the air fryer with no deep frying needed.
  • A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet.
  • Works as a main dish or appetizer.
  • This chipotle honey wings recipe is customizable – adjust the heat or sweetness to your taste.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

chicken

  • chicken wings – use drumettes and flats for even cooking
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
  • salt and pepper
  • hot sauce – any brand you like
  • olive oil – or substitute with avocado oil

sauce

  • roasted red peppers – jarred, drained
  • chipotle peppers in adobo – adjust amount for heat preference
  • chipotle sauce – from the can of chipotles
  • brown sugar – can use granulated sugar if needed
  • honey – maple syrup works as a substitute
  • salt and pepper

for serving

  • blue cheese or ranch dip
  • carrot and celery sticks

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✨ Variations

  • Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
  • Make them extra spicy by adding more chipotle peppers.
  • Try grilling instead of air frying for smoky flavor.
  • Use boneless chicken bites instead of wings for a fun twist on chipotle chicken wings.

🔥 Tips

  • Pat the wings dry before seasoning to help them crisp up.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust the honey or chipotle for your preferred flavor.
  • Toss wings in the sauce just before serving to keep them crispy.

❓ FAQs

Are these Air Fryer Chipotle Honey Wings spicy?

They have a smoky heat that balances with the honey, but you can make them milder by using fewer chipotle peppers.

Can I make this chipotle honey wings recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cook the wings ahead, refrigerate, then reheat and toss in fresh sauce before serving.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to ensure crispy skin.

What can I serve with Chipotle Honey Wings?

They pair well with fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or simple carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip.

Do I need to remove the wing tips before cooking?

You can. The tips don’t have much meat and can burn easily.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Yes, but cook in batches so the wings don’t overcrowd the air fryer and lose their crispiness.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?

Yes, boneless chicken bites or tenders work great with this sauce for a twist on traditional chipotle honey chicken wings.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Hand holding a crispy chipotle honey wing close up, highlighting the saucy coating and charred edges.
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Servings: 8 servings

Air Fryer Chipotle Honey Wings

By Jamie Sherman
Air Fryer Chipotle Honey Wings are crispy, sweet, and spicy! Easy to make and perfect for game day, parties, or a quick dinner.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 26 minutes
Total: 36 minutes

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Equipment

Ingredients 

chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken wings
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 dashes hot sauce
  • drizzle of olive oil

sauce

  • 1 cup roasted red peppers
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, (canned)
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle sauce, (from the can)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • salt and pepper to taste

serving

  • blue cheese or ranch dip
  • carrot and celery sticks

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, season the wings with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Toss to coat.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flip, and cook another 12-15 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Add extra time if you prefer a crispier exterior.
  • While the wings cook, blend roasted red peppers, chipotles, adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Toss the cooked wings in the chipotle honey sauce and serve with dip and veggies.

Notes

🍽️ SERVING SIZE

  • Serves 2-4 as a main dish.
  • Serves 6-8 as an appetizer.

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Air fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes
  • Oven: 375°F for 10-12 minutes
  • Microwave: 1-2 minutes (less crispy)
  • Skillet: 4-6 minutes on medium heat

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze cooled wings on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Dry wings well before seasoning.
  • Cook in batches for even crisping.
  • Toss with sauce right before serving.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Oven: 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Grill: 20-25 minutes over medium heat, turning often.
  • Broiler: 8-10 minutes per side until crisp.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Shred leftover wings and use in wraps or salads.
  • Reheat and enjoy as a snack with extra dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 286mg, Potassium: 138mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 304IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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