If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is about to become your new go-to. Imagine golden, crispy chicken tenders, perfectly seasoned and air-fried to perfection, nestled on top of a bed of fresh greens and veggies. Then, the star of the show: a luscious, tangy honey mustard dressing that ties it all together. This dish combines the best of both worlds—light, healthy ingredients and a satisfying, comfort food twist. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard
Crispy and Light
The air fryer does its magic, creating crispy, juicy chicken tenders without the need for excess oil. They’re golden and crunchy on the outside while staying tender and flavorful on the inside.
Sweet and Tangy Dressing
The honey mustard dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. It pairs beautifully with the chicken and greens, taking this salad to the next level.
Healthy and Satisfying
It’s light but filling! The fresh veggies add crunch and nutrients, while the chicken provides protein, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, with the air fryer, you’re skipping the heavy frying oil—so it’s a healthier option too!
Quick and Easy
With a little prep and just a few ingredients, this salad comes together in no time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch, this recipe has got you covered.
Customizable
Feel free to swap out veggies or add extras like avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or even crumbled bacon. This salad is all about making it your own!
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
The main protein in this dish. Chicken tenders are juicy, tender, and quick to cook, making them perfect for air frying. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer.
Bread Crumbs
To create that irresistible crispy coating for the chicken tenders. Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken an extra-crunchy texture.
Eggs
Used for dipping the chicken tenders before coating them in breadcrumbs. The eggs help the breadcrumbs stick and create a golden, crispy finish.
Flour
Lightly dusting the chicken tenders with flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better, ensuring that crispy crust we all crave.
Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper
A simple seasoning blend that brings out all the savory flavors in the chicken. The garlic powder and paprika give it a warm, aromatic kick.
Fresh Greens (Lettuce, Arugula, or Spinach)
The base for the salad. A mixture of fresh greens adds crunch and brightness to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes
These little bursts of juiciness add color and a sweet contrast to the crispy chicken.
Cucumber
Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich honey mustard dressing.
Red Onion
For a little zing and crunch, thinly sliced red onion adds some tangy sweetness to balance the flavors.
Honey Mustard Dressing
This creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing is the star of the show. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it brings everything together in the most delightful way.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken tenders. Season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set up your breading station: one plate with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender first in flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, a little bit of olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or mustard.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, slice them into strips and arrange them on top of the salad. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the top and toss everything together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately for a warm, satisfying meal. You can also add extra toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or nuts for added flavor and texture.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard
As a Main Course
This salad is hearty enough to be a standalone meal. It’s light yet filling, and the chicken provides plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.
With a Side of Garlic Bread
Pair the salad with some crispy garlic bread for a more indulgent experience. It’s a great way to soak up any extra honey mustard dressing!
Over Rice or Quinoa
For a more substantial dish, serve the chicken tender salad over a bed of rice or quinoa. This adds a nice contrast of textures and makes it even more filling.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken breading for a little extra heat.
- Meal Prep: You can air fry the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just toss them on your salad when you’re ready to eat.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add any veggies or toppings you like. Avocado, olives, or shredded cheese would all be great additions.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of air frying them?
A1: Yes, you can! Bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Q2: Can I use store-bought honey mustard dressing?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought honey mustard dressing will work just as well.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the salad, it’s best to store the chicken separately from the vegetables to keep everything fresh.
Q4: Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
A4: Yes, you can! Just slice the chicken breast into strips or bite-sized pieces, and follow the same breading and air frying steps.
Q5: How can I make the salad dairy-free?
A5: To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free honey mustard dressing. You can also add some nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Conclusion
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. With crispy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy honey mustard dressing, every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s the ideal blend of comfort and freshness, and it’s quick and easy to make, too! So why not whip this up for your next meal? You’ll love it!
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Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is a healthy and satisfying meal with crispy, golden chicken tenders on a bed of fresh veggies, drizzled with tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil spray (or cooking spray)
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, or a spring mix)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour, coating it lightly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken tenders to ensure they stick.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, red onion, avocado, and shredded carrots.
- Slice the air-fried chicken tenders into strips and add them to the top of the salad.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and chicken tenders. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and healthy Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard!
Notes
- Air Fryer Variations: If your air fryer has a small basket, you may need to cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Chicken Substitutes: You can use chicken breast cut into strips instead of tenders if preferred, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Dressing Variation: For a creamier honey mustard dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad with chicken tenders
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g3
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg