If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with flavor, crunchy texture, and a touch of sweetness, then you are going to love this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe. It combines perfectly crispy air fried chicken tenders with a vibrant mix of fresh greens and vegetables, all brought together by a luscious, homemade honey mustard dressing. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a satisfying and wholesome meal that feels indulgent without any guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and delivering the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and freshness.
- Chicken tenders (1 pound): The star protein that gets irresistibly crispy in the air fryer.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle tanginess.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives the chicken tenders their signature crunchy coating.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a savory, cheesy depth to the breadcrumb mix.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a warm, aromatic undertone.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to make all flavors pop.
- Olive oil spray: Lightly coats the tenders to ensure golden crispiness in the air fryer.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Offers a fresh, leafy base for the salad’s vibrant flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of juicy sweetness brighten up each bite.
- Cucumber slices (1/2 cup): Adds a cool crunch that contrasts perfectly with the warm chicken.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Brings a sharp, tangy bite for balance.
- Shredded carrots (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and great color contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a melty, cheesy twist in their salad.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tenders
Start by soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk. This simple step is a game changer because it tenderizes the chicken while adding tangy richness that really enhances the final flavor. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or, even better, overnight in your fridge for maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix together panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This combination ensures each bite of chicken is packed with flavor and has that perfect crispy crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the tenders from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off before pressing them into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is well coated so every mouthful has that delightful crunch.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket and give them a light spritz of olive oil spray. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is golden, crispy chicken that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
While the chicken cooks, toss your mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and optional cheddar cheese in a large bowl. This combination provides a fresh, colorful, and textured base that complements the crispy chicken.
Step 6: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. This homemade honey mustard dressing has just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy to tie the entire salad together beautifully.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Slice the air fried chicken tenders and lay them over the salad. Drizzle generously with your honey mustard dressing and get ready to enjoy a salad experience that’s anything but ordinary.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch, or add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to bring a pop of color and fresh flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the dish even more if you like a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal but pairs wonderfully with a warm baguette or garlic bread if you want something to soak up every last drop of that honey mustard dressing. For a heartier option, a cup of creamy soup like tomato basil makes a delightful companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a picnic or party, try building individual salad cups or portable mason jar salads layering the greens first, then veggies and cheese, topped with sliced chicken and dressing on the side. It’s visually appealing and makes serving a breeze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover chicken tenders and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a small jar to prevent your greens from wilting prematurely.
Freezing
Freeze any uncooked breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer for a delicious quick meal. Avoid freezing the salad itself, as fresh greens don’t freeze well.
Reheating
To retain the chicken’s crispy texture, reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Avoid reheating the salad – fresh is best – just add dressing and toppings fresh when serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same marinating and coating steps. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk before serving to restore its creamy texture.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the coated chicken tenders in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a similar crispy result.
How can I lighten the dressing if I want a lower-fat option?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy honey mustard dressing that pairs perfectly with this salad.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe is a beautiful way to enjoy a crisp, flavorful chicken salad that feels fresh and exciting every time. From the tender, crunchy chicken to the vibrant veggies and that dreamy honey mustard drizzle, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite go-to meal in your rotation. Don’t wait to try this one — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is a healthy and delicious meal featuring crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, served over a fresh bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Topped with a creamy, tangy honey mustard dressing, this salad balances protein and vibrant veggies for a satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the coating mixture.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well.
- Air Fry Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with olive oil to promote crispiness. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Salad: While the chicken cooks, assemble the salad by combining mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, shredded carrots, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) in a large serving bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken tenders are done, slice them if desired and arrange on top of the salad. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over everything and toss gently or serve with dressing on top as preferred.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Store-bought air-fried or grilled chicken can be used for a quicker meal prep.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to get the crispiest chicken tenders.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to your preference.
