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
Scale
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.
