air fryer oven buffalo chicken jerky sticks
Are you ready to spice up your snack game? I want to share my favorite recipe for Buffalo chicken jerky sticks! they’re not only tasty but also super easy to make, perfect for your next hike or movie night. Plus, who doesn’t love a tasty treat that packs a protein punch? Let’s get started and whip up these flavorful goodies together!
Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks
Creating delicious Buffalo chicken jerky sticks is all about using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty snack that’s perfect for hikes,camping,or just a fun treat at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken: This is the star of our recipe. ground chicken keeps things moist while absorbing flavors beautifully.
- ¼ cup cayenne pepper sauce: I love using Frank’s® RedHot® for that classic Buffalo kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference!
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: This brings out the flavors in the chicken and balances the heat.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A little bit of black pepper adds depth to the taste.
- ½ teaspoon celery seed: This unique spice gives an extra layer of flavor that’s reminiscent of classic Buffalo wings.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For that savory punch that’s hard to resist.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: It adds sweetness and balances the garlic nicely.
- ¼ teaspoon pink curing salt: This isn’t just for color; it helps preserve the jerky, giving it a lovely hue and keeping it safe to eat.
- 2 tablespoons additional cayenne pepper sauce: This is for brushing on top during the cooking phase. It enhances that spicy flavor and makes your jerky irresistible.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to make flavorful, chewy jerky sticks that will impress anyone!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Buffalo chicken Jerky Sticks
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Buffalo chicken jerky sticks.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ¼ cup cayenne pepper sauce, sea salt, black pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, onion powder, and pink curing salt. mix everything together until well combined. It’s best to use your hands to ensure each bit of chicken is coated with those spicy flavors.
- Refrigerate: cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
- Form the Sticks: Once chilled, it’s time to shape the meat. Using a jerky gun, carefully form sticks of the meat mixture on air fryer racks. If you don’t have a jerky gun, you can use your hands to roll them into logs!
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 160°F (70°C). This is the perfect low temperature to slowly dry out the sticks while keeping them tender.
- Cook the Jerky: Place the racks with the chicken sticks into the air fryer. cook for about 2 hours. After that, flip the sticks using a fork and brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper sauce.
- Finish Air Frying: Continue air frying for an additional 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be dry to the touch but still chewy.
- Cool and Store: Let the jerky sticks cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy your homemade snack!
These steps are straightforward, and I promise the results will be delicious! You’ll love that spicy flavor in every bite.
serving and Storage Information for Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks
Once you’ve made your Buffalo chicken jerky sticks, it’s time to enjoy them and think about how to store any leftovers. This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for sharing or snacking throughout the week!
Serving Suggestions:
I love serving these jerky sticks as a protein-packed snack during movie nights or as a tasty treat on camping trips. They pair wonderfully with a creamy ranch dip or a zesty blue cheese dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a simple homemade dipping sauce by mixing greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Storage Tips:
To keep your jerky sticks fresh, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. if you want to keep them longer, placing them in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life to about 5 days. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before munching on them!
For longer storage, consider vacuum sealing the jerky sticks. This method can keep them good for several weeks in the fridge or even longer in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
Helpful Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Buffalo Chicken Jerky Sticks
Making Buffalo chicken jerky sticks can be a fun and straightforward process, but here are some notes and tips to ensure you end up with the best sticks possible.
Key tips:
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper sauce in the mixture or use a milder hot sauce instead. Balancing spices to your liking is part of making this recipe personal.
- Texture Check: After cooking, your jerky should be chewy but not wet. If it’s too moist, consider increasing the cooking time in small increments until it reaches the desired texture.
- Jerky Gun Use: If you don’t have a jerky gun, you can form the chicken mixture into sticks by hand. Just make sure they are even in thickness for consistent drying.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- sticks Falling Apart: If your jerky sticks crumble while forming or cooking, it may be due to not enough binding. make sure the ground chicken is thoroughly mixed with the spices and salt.
- Overly Dry Jerky: cooking for too long can lead to overly dry jerky. It’s best to keep an eye on the sticks, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Removal from the air fryer should be based on touch; they should spring back slightly when pressed.
- Flavor Missing: If the flavor isn’t as intense as you’d like, consider adding more seasoning to the mixture next time, or experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite blend.
With these notes and troubleshooting tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy making your very own Buffalo chicken jerky sticks with confidence!