A traditional chicken recipe made easy!
If you’re craving bold, flavorful chicken with a sweet-and-spicy kick, this Air Fryer Peruvian BBQ Chicken is the perfect recipe for you! While traditionally, Peruvian chicken is slow-cooked over a grill, giving it deep smoky flavor. But today, I’m simplifying the process and bringing it into the kitchen with the air fryer, making it faster, easier, and still just as delicious.
This version blends the irresistible sweetness of dark brown sugar and honey with a touch of smoky heat from chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Additionally, fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary balance the flavors with earthy depth, while garlic, ginger, and lime juice brighten each bite. The result? Juicy, caramelized chicken drumsticks with a mouthwatering glaze that’s sticky, sweet, and spicy in all the right ways. Also, the remaining marinade comes together to make a tangy BBQ sauce that just screams flavor.
Take it to the next level with Peruvian Green Sauce!
What makes this dish even better is how it pairs perfectly with my Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde). While traditionally Aji Verde is made with cilantro, I make this recipe with fresh green onions for those who prefer a milder herb flavor (and for those who unfortunately feel that cilantro tastes like soap). Additionally, I give it a more creamier texture, with some fresh avocado, lime juice, garlic, and jalapeños for a velvety, slightly spicy finish. Also, when drizzled over the juicy chicken, it creates the ultimate flavor explosion—savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy all at once.
Furthermore, another reason why this recipe is great: Not only is using the air fryer a time saver, but it also gives you that crave-worthy char and crispness despite not having a grill. This recipe is great for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep. Also, you can serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or fresh salad for a complete meal that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly.
Basically, what you’re getting is delicious flavor, char, smokiness, sweetness, and heat with the convenience of an air fryer! Now, whether you’re a fan of traditional Peruvian flavors or simply looking for a new way to upgrade chicken night, this air fryer recipe will become a go-to favorite. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll never want BBQ chicken any other way! Also, I guarantee, this recipe will leave you satisfied! Because it combines so many great flavors, this will be in your dinner rotation permanently!
Grocery List for the Air Fryer Peruvian BBQ Chicken
Ingredients for the Marinade
- 1 pack of chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black garlic
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup chipotle peppers (blended)
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
List of Ingredients for the BBQ Sauce
- Remaining marinade
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 cup root beer
How to Make the Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
- 2 cups green onion (or cilantro traditionally)
- 1 avocado
- 2 jalapeños with seeds (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tbsp garlic paste (or 5 minced cloves)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayo
- Juice of 1 lime
How to Make Air Fryer Peruvian BBQ Chicken
Description
This Air Fryer Peruvian BBQ Chicken takes a traditional favorite and makes it quick and simple with the air fryer. Sweet, smoky, and spicy, it’s perfect with homemade Peruvian green sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the marinade
Peruvian BBQ Sauce Ingredients
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) Ingredients
Instructions
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For the Chicken
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In a large blender, add together brown sugar, garlic paste, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, black garlic, cayenne, smoked paprika, chipotle, ginger, onion powder, honey, and lime juice + zest. Add thyme and rosemary. Blend until the marinade is nice and smooth.
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Add chicken drumsticks to a bowl. Coat the chicken with the marinade. Cover and marinate at least 2-4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
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Preheat air fryer to 370/380°F (depending on your settings).
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Place drumsticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 165°F and skin is crispy.
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Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Making the BBQ Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking in the air-fryer, add the remaining marinade into a pan.
- Once the marinade starts to simmer, add ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and root beer).
- Bring the temperature down to low and continue to stir until the sauce browns and thickens.
- Baste the sauce over the chicken halfway through and flip to cook with the remaining sauce.
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Making the Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde sauce)
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In a blender or food processor, combine green onions, avocado, jalapeños, garlic, salt, pepper, mayo, and lime juice.
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Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve with chicken as a dipping sauce or drizzle.
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