There are days when dinner needs to feel a little special, even if it’s still made in the middle of homework, laundry, and a sink full of dishes. These Air Fryer Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits came from one of those days. I wanted something comforting, slightly indulgent, and guaranteed to make everyone pause mid-conversation because their mouth was full.
Biscuits and chicken already feel like a hug on a plate. Add spicy honey butter, and suddenly it’s not just dinner anymore. It’s the kind of food people remember and ask for again. As a mom, those are the recipes I hold onto.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This recipe hits that perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and buttery. The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy inside while giving it a crispy exterior, and the biscuits warm up soft and fluffy without turning dry.
The spicy honey butter is what brings everything together. It melts into the biscuit, coats the chicken, and creates that slightly sticky, glossy finish that makes this feel like something you’d order at a trendy brunch place.
From a practical standpoint, it’s also a win. Minimal oil, quick cook time, and no standing over a stove flipping chicken while everyone waits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs or tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the biscuits:
- 4 large buttermilk biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
For the spicy honey butter:
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14–16 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (estimated): 420 per serving
- I start by soaking the chicken in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes. If I have more time, I’ll let it sit longer in the fridge, but even a short soak makes the chicken tender.
- While the chicken rests, I mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. I remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then coat each piece in the seasoned flour.
- I preheat the air fryer to 380°F. I lightly spray the basket and place the chicken in a single layer. A quick spray on top helps the coating crisp up nicely. The chicken cooks for about 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is almost done, I add the biscuits to the air fryer. They warm and puff up in about 3–4 minutes, depending on size.
- For the honey butter, I stir together melted butter, honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. I taste it and adjust the heat because everyone’s tolerance is different in my house.
- To assemble, I split the biscuits, add a piece of crispy chicken, and spoon warm spicy honey butter generously over the top.
Real Kitchen Notes From a Mom
This recipe came together the first time because I needed something that felt fun but didn’t require a grocery run. I’ve since learned that chicken thighs work better than breast here because they stay juicy and don’t dry out under the biscuit.
I also learned not to rush the honey butter. When it’s warm and freshly mixed, it seeps into the biscuit in the best way. That’s what turns this from “good” to “wow.”
This is one of those meals where napkins disappear fast and plates come back clean.
For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.
Easy Variations to Try
You can make this milder by skipping the hot sauce and keeping it more sweet than spicy.
For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
If you like heat, drizzle extra hot honey on top right before serving.
This also works beautifully with chicken tenders for smaller portions.
Serving Suggestions
At home, I usually serve these with something fresh on the side to balance the richness. A simple slaw, fruit salad, or roasted vegetables works well.
For brunch or casual gatherings, these biscuits hold their own and don’t need much else. They’re filling, comforting, and surprisingly elegant for how easy they are.
Nutrition Notes
Air frying significantly reduces the oil compared to deep frying, which keeps this meal lighter without sacrificing texture. The chicken provides protein, and controlling the amount of honey butter lets you adjust richness based on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned biscuits?
Yes, and they work very well. Just watch cooking time so they don’t overbrown.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Is this very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you control the heat entirely with the honey butter.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
You can, but reduce cooking time and keep an eye on moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits recipe is one of those dishes that feels cozy, indulgent, and modern all at once. It’s the kind of meal that works for busy weeknights but also feels special enough to serve when family comes over.
As a mom, I love recipes that don’t just feed everyone but actually slow them down for a moment. When the biscuits are warm, the honey butter is melting, and the chicken is crispy, the table gets quieter in the best way. Those are the dinners that matter most 🍯🍗
