Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad
Introduction
For anyone seeking a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal option, the air-fried chicken tender salad with honey mustard is an ideal choice. This recipe combines the crunch of perfectly cooked juicy chicken tenders with the lightness of a refreshing salad. The addition of a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing brings everything together, creating a perfect balance of flavors that you’ll surely enjoy. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a dish to impress guests.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
This salad requires a handful of fresh and wholesome ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the chicken tenders:
chicken tenders
breadcrumbs of choice
egg (to coat the tenders)
seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
For the salad greens and extras:
mixed greens
cherry tomatoes
cucumber slices
sliced red onion
shredded carrots
For the honey mustard dressing:
honey
yellow mustard
Dijon mustard
apple cider vinegar
olive oil
salt and pepper
Prep Time
Prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Washing and chopping vegetables for the salad while seasoning and coating the chicken tenders will help speed things up. Expect about 10 minutes of prep work.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The air fryer streamlines the cooking process for the chicken tenders. Expect around 15 minutes of cook time, depending on your air fryer model. With prep and cook time combined, this dish takes around 25 to 30 minutes. This recipe yields a satisfying portion for 2 to 4 servings, depending on individual appetites.
This air-fried chicken tender salad with honey mustard dressing is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of freshness, vibrant flavors, and a mix of textures. Give this recipe a try! It’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the chicken tenders
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
3. Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Coat the chicken tenders
4. In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
5. In another shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
6. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
7. Roll the chicken tenders in the panko breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
Air fry the chicken tenders
8. Place the coated chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the tenders are not overlapping.
9. Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even crispness. Check to ensure they are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Prepare the salad base
10. Wash and dry your mixed greens or lettuce of choice.
11. Arrange the greens in a large salad bowl or individual salad plates as the base for the meal.
Prepare the toppings
12. Slice cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, or other desired vegetables thinly.
13. Add the sliced vegetables to the salad base.
Make the honey mustard dressing
14. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the salad
15. Once the chicken tenders are fully cooked and crispy, slice them into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, as desired.
16. Arrange the chicken tenders on top of the salad.
17. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad.
Final touch
18. Garnish the salad with optional toppings like sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of seeds, if desired.
19. Serve immediately and enjoy your air-fried chicken tender salad.
Notes
Chicken tender substitutions
For convenience, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breast cut into strips or even pre-cooked chicken for a quicker preparation.
Gluten-free option
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Honey mustard sweetness
Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing based on your sweetness preference.
Air fryer variations
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the model and type of air fryer. Be sure to check for doneness with a food thermometer.
Extra crispy chicken
To achieve extra crispy tenders, lightly spray them with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid a soggy salad.
Meal prep idea
Cook the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad fresh when ready to serve.
Cook Techniques
How to Air Fry Chicken Tenders
To air fry chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Place the tenders in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until the tenders are golden and cooked through.
Preparing the Honey Mustard Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, and your preferred seasonings. Whisk the mixture until smooth and set it aside as a dressing for the salad.
Assembling the Salad
Prepare the base of your salad by tossing together greens such as spinach or mixed lettuce. Add your desired toppings like vegetables, avocado, or cheese. Place the cooked chicken tenders on top and drizzle with the honey mustard dressing.
Adding Crunch to Your Salad
For additional texture, top your salad with crunchy elements like roasted nuts, seeds, or croutons.
FAQ
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of air frying them?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
How can I make the honey mustard dressing spicier?
To add spice, mix in a small amount of sriracha, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the honey mustard dressing.
What greens work best for this salad?
You can use any greens like spinach, arugula, kale, romaine, or a mixed salad blend.
Can I use store-bought dressing instead?
Yes, if you prefer a quicker option, opt for a store-bought honey mustard dressing.
How do I store leftover cooked chicken tenders?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to regain their crispiness.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely, opt for dairy-free toppings like dairy-free cheese or omit any cheese entirely. The honey mustard dressing is naturally dairy-free.
What other toppings can I add to this salad?
You can include toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, shredded carrots, hard-boiled eggs, or diced bell peppers for extra variety and flavor.
Conclusion
This air-fried chicken tender salad with honey mustard is a delightful combination of crispy, flavorful chicken tenders and a refreshing mix of greens topped with a creamy, homemade honey mustard dressing. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or dinner option. The air fryer ensures a healthier meal without compromising on taste or texture. Whether you’re preparing this for yourself or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A classic salad made with grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, shaved Parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a hearty yet light meal.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Spice things up with buffalo-flavored chicken tossed over mixed greens, cucumbers, and carrots, paired with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Southwest Chicken Bowl
Pair your air-fried chicken tenders with black beans, corn, avocado, shredded cheese, and a lime-cilantro dressing for a Mexican-inspired meal.
Asian Sesame Chicken Salad
Combine your chicken tenders with shredded cabbage, carrots, edamame, and sesame dressing for a crunchy and zesty salad.
Barbecue Chicken Chopped Salad
Use barbecue-seasoned chicken tenders on a bed of chopped greens, corn, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese, topped with a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
