Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks Cooked in an Air Fryer

If you're craving a spicy, protein-packed snack, these Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks are a perfect choice. Made quickly in the air fryer, they’re flavorful, tender, and great for on-the-go munching.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 2 hr 30 min

Total Time 2 hr 40 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/8

1 pound ground chicken ¼ cup cayenne pepper sauce (such as Frank's® RedHot®) ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon celery seed ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon pink curing salt

Why This Recipe Is A Favorite

These spicy and savory jerky sticks are a perfect high-protein snack that packs a flavorful punch. Cooking them in the air fryer makes the process quick and easy, giving you a crispy texture without extra oil. They are great for on-the-go snacking or a game day treat.

Chef's Cooking Tips

- Make sure to slice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to help the jerky cook evenly.
- Check the jerky halfway through cooking and rotate if needed to avoid uneven crisping.

Step 1

Stir the ground chicken with 1/4 cup of cayenne pepper sauce, sea salt, pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, and pink curing salt in a big bowl until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or overnight if you can.

Step 2

When you’re ready to cook, use a jerky gun to squeeze the mixture into sticks right onto your air fryer racks. Preheat your air fryer to 160°F (70°C).

Step 3

Place the racks inside the air fryer and cook the sticks for about 2 hours. Halfway through, flip them over with a fork, then brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper sauce.

Step 4

Finish cooking for another 30 minutes until they’re nicely dried out. Let the jerky sticks cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Serving Variations

Serve these spicy sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. They also pair well with fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks for a crunchy, refreshing contrast. Perfect for snacking anytime or adding to a party platter.

Storing Food Safely

Allow the jerky sticks to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Reheat briefly in the air fryer or microwave to restore some crispness before serving.

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By Daniel Carter

Recipe Developer

Daniel focuses on practical, easy-to-follow recipes designed for everyday home cooking.