Name: Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch thick strips); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp honey; Cooking spray or light oil (for air frying)

Chicken strips have always had a special place in my kitchen, especially when I need something quick, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. But once I discovered the magic of making them in the air fryer, coated with a sticky-sweet buffalo honey glaze? Game over. These Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips strike the perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and crunch—and I can’t get enough.

This recipe has become one of my go-tos for both weeknight dinners and game day snacks. I love how the air fryer gives them a super crispy texture without deep-frying, and the buffalo honey glaze adds that bold zing that makes everyone go back for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips

Healthier without losing the crunch – Thanks to the air fryer, you get that golden-brown crispy bite with a fraction of the oil.
Quick and fuss-free – Perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Sticky, spicy, sweet perfection – The glaze is the real star here, with the perfect balance of buffalo sauce heat and honey sweetness.
Kid-friendly (with a kick!) – Just adjust the sauce ratio and even picky eaters will be hooked.
Great for meal prep – Make a batch and reheat for a fast protein option all week.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, I always go with boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s lean, cooks evenly, and absorbs that crispy coating and tangy glaze beautifully. If you prefer a juicier bite, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative—they stay moist and tender inside while still crisping up nicely on the outside. Just be sure to slice the chicken into evenly sized strips so everything cooks at the same rate in the air fryer.

Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just using what’s on hand, this recipe is super flexible:

Chicken: Swap chicken breast with chicken thighs or even tofu for a meatless version.
Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour work well as substitutes for a lighter or gluten-free option.
Eggs: Need an egg-free version? Try using buttermilk or plain Greek yogurt to help the coating stick.
Buffalo Sauce: Not a fan of too much heat? Use mild buffalo sauce or replace it with BBQ sauce for a smokier profile.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives if you’re out of honey or prefer a different sweetener.
Air Fryer: No air fryer? You can bake the chicken strips at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken Breast
The star of the show—lean, tender, and easy to cut into perfect strips. Ideal for soaking up the glaze without getting soggy.
All-Purpose Flour
Creates the base of that irresistible crispy coating. It helps the egg bind and gives structure to the breading.
Eggs
Acts as the glue to hold the flour and seasonings onto the chicken strips during air frying.
Garlic Powder
Adds a savory kick to the coating, making each bite more flavorful.
Paprika
Gives a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the crispy crust.
Salt and Pepper
Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t skip these, even in the flour mix.
Buffalo Sauce
Delivers that bold, tangy heat that makes buffalo chicken so addictive.
Honey
The balancing act—its sweetness cuts through the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a sticky, glossy finish.
Cooking Spray or Light Oil
Helps the chicken brown evenly in the air fryer without needing a deep-fry oil bath.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into evenly sized strips—around 1 inch thick works best for even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, place your flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat your eggs until smooth. The third will remain empty for now, where you’ll rest your coated strips before frying.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten egg, and back into the flour once more. This double dip helps create that thick, crispy coating we’re going for.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and crisps up nicely.

Step 5: Air Fry in Batches

Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—give them space for air to circulate. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 6: Make the Buffalo Honey Glaze

While the chicken cooks, combine buffalo sauce and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warmed and blended. Adjust the ratio depending on your preferred spice level.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken strips are done, toss them gently in the buffalo honey glaze while still hot. Use tongs to coat evenly, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How Long to Cook the Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips

In an air fryer set to 400°F (200°C), chicken strips typically take 10 to 12 minutes to cook. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy texture on both sides. Thicker strips might need an extra 1–2 minutes, so always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

If you’re baking instead of air frying, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips

Don’t skip the double dredge – Coating in flour, then egg, then flour again ensures a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up to the glaze.
Space them out in the air fryer – Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
Preheat the air fryer – Just like an oven, preheating helps lock in that crispy exterior from the start.
Spray or brush with oil – A light mist of oil on the chicken makes a big difference in achieving that golden finish.
Use a meat thermometer – Avoid guesswork and make sure your chicken hits 165°F inside.
Warm the glaze – Don’t pour cold sauce on hot chicken. Warming helps it coat evenly without making the crust soggy.
Toss quickly and serve immediately – The sooner you coat and serve, the better the texture.
Adjust heat and sweetness – If your crowd likes it spicier, add more buffalo. For a sweeter touch, bump up the honey.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple recipe like this one, a few common missteps can make or break your crispy buffalo honey chicken strips. Here’s what to avoid:

Skipping the Preheat
Going straight into a cold air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy crust.
Overcrowding the Basket
This limits airflow and leads to steaming rather than crisping. Always arrange in a single layer with a little space in between.
Uneven Strip Sizes
If your chicken pieces vary too much in size, some will overcook while others remain raw inside. Keep them as uniform as possible.
Forgetting to Flip
Flipping halfway through the cook ensures even browning and crunch on both sides.
No Oil Spray
A little oil goes a long way in making the coating crispy and golden. Don’t skip this step.
Using Cold Glaze
A cold sauce on hot strips can cause the crust to lose its crunch and slide right off.
Too Much Sauce
Drizzling is good, but drenching can overwhelm the chicken and ruin the texture. Coat gently and evenly.
Not Seasoning the Coating
Skipping seasoning in the flour mix leaves you with bland chicken, no matter how good the glaze is.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips?

Pairing sides with these flavorful strips makes the meal feel complete. Here are 8 delicious ideas:

Classic French Fries

Crispy fries are always a favorite—try sweet potato fries for a little extra flavor contrast.

Ranch Slaw

A cool, creamy cabbage slaw tossed in ranch dressing is a perfect cooling counterpoint to the spicy-sweet glaze.

Mac and Cheese

Creamy and comforting, mac and cheese balances the heat with a rich, cheesy texture.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

That tangy crunch adds a punch that cuts through the richness of the glaze.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roast with a touch of olive oil and garlic—savory and crispy greens make a great match.

Jasmine Rice or Quinoa

A simple, neutral grain can soak up extra glaze and make it more of a meal.

Garlic Bread or Rolls

Soft, buttery bread helps mellow out the spice and gives your guests something to mop up the sauce with.

Celery & Carrot Sticks with Dip

A nod to the classic buffalo combo—serve with ranch or blue cheese dip for that familiar and satisfying crunch.

Storage Instructions

If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare in my house), these chicken strips store beautifully with just a little care.

Refrigerator:
Let the chicken strips cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer:
Want to make them last longer? Freeze the cooked, unglazed chicken strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. This brings the crisp back without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
Tip: If frozen, reheat directly from frozen without thawing. Just add 2–3 minutes to the air fryer time.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a recipe serving 4 and using chicken breast, air frying method, and a moderate amount of glaze):

Calories: 390
Protein: 31g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 105mg

Note: These values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients, size of chicken pieces, and how much glaze you use. For precise tracking, use a nutrition calculator with your exact quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these chicken strips ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and bread the chicken strips in advance and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop them in the air fryer. If already cooked, reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crisp.

2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. If your kids aren’t into spice, just reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the honey for a milder version. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.

3. Can I bake instead of air fry?

Yes, you can. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. While the texture may not be as crispy as air-fried, it’s still delicious and golden.

4. How spicy is the buffalo honey glaze?

That depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most store-bought sauces are medium-spicy, but you can opt for a mild or hot version depending on your taste. Honey balances the heat, so it’s not overwhelming.

5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The air fryer is your best friend here. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore that crispy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make the coating soggy.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even breading and cooking. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before starting the breading process.

7. How do I make these strips gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for breading. Double-check your buffalo sauce ingredients to make sure it’s gluten-free as well.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Keeping good airflow is key to getting that crisp on every piece.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Honey Chicken Strips are that perfect storm of spicy, sweet, and crunchy—without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at game night, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch every time.

It’s easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear fast. And with simple substitutions and kid-friendly options, it’s a win across the board. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation—I know it’s made its way into mine.