If you’re craving a meal that’s both crispy and refreshing, look no further than this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between crunchy, tender chicken and a vibrant, colorful salad tossed in a zesty honey mustard dressing. This dish delivers on satisfying textures and flavors while being surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner that feels a little special. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe is carefully chosen for its role in bringing together bold flavors, fresh textures, and wholesome goodness. From the crispy panko coating on the chicken to the fresh, bright vegetables, every bite bursts with taste and visual appeal.
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: The perfect size and tenderness for crisping up quickly in the air fryer.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give the chicken a light, airy crunch that’s seriously addictive.
- Whole wheat or all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds a subtle nuttiness.
- Eggs: Act as a glue to hold the breadcrumb mixture on the chicken tenders.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika: These spices infuse the chicken coating with deep, savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every element in the dish.
- Olive oil spray: Ensures the chicken crisps up nicely without excess oil.
- Mixed greens: A vibrant bed of lettuce, spinach, arugula, or spring mix that adds freshness and color.
- Cucumber: Sliced for cool crunch and hydrating qualities.
- Tomato: Chopped to add juiciness and a touch of sweetness.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, tangy bite.
- Avocado: Creamy slices that soften the texture and add healthy fats.
- Shredded carrots: Provide cheerful color and subtle sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Optional garnish for a burst of herbal brightness.
- Dijon mustard: The tangy foundation of the honey mustard dressing.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tang.
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Brings acidity that lifts the dressing.
- Olive oil: Creates a smooth texture and helps bind the dressing.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to give your chicken tenders that perfect crispy crust. Setting up the breading station is key—flour, beaten eggs, and a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture await your chicken. Coating each tender carefully ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender first lightly in the flour, then fully in the eggs, and finally coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken to make sure the coating sticks all over, which guarantees maximum crispiness in the air fryer. This method also locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken inside.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and place the breaded tenders carefully in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. The end result? Golden, crunchy chicken tenders that are cooked to juicy perfection inside.
Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
While the chicken cooks, whisk together dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust by adding more honey if you like it sweeter or more vinegar if you want extra tang. This dressing is the tangy-sweet magic that ties the whole salad together.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Throw the mixed greens, cucumber slices, chopped tomato, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado, and shredded carrots into a large bowl. Toss gently to combine your fresh ingredients. Slice the crispy air-fried chicken tenders into strips and arrange them on top for a colorful feast that’s as inviting to the eyes as it is to your taste buds.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Drizzle your freshly made honey mustard dressing over the salad and chicken, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley if you have it on hand. This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe is best served immediately to fully enjoy the contrast between crunchy chicken and crisp, fresh veggies.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a bright, herbal note and a pop of green that makes your salad feel fresh and vibrant. If you love a little extra crunch, try toasted nuts or seeds sprinkled on top for added texture and nutrition.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully as a standalone meal, but if you want to round out your plate, consider serving it with some crusty whole grain bread or a light soup. A bowl of chilled gazpacho or roasted vegetable soup complements the salad’s fresh flavors without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special gathering, serve the salad in individual bowls with the chicken sliced into medallions arranged artfully on top. Another fun idea is to turn it into a vibrant wrap by layering the salad and chicken into whole wheat tortillas, perfect for an on-the-go lunch that’s still full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe, keep the chicken and salad components separate in airtight containers. This prevents the greens from wilting and preserves the crunch of the chicken. Store the dressing in its own container to drizzle fresh at serving time.
Freezing
While the chicken tenders freeze well, the salad ingredients do not. Freeze leftover cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat the chicken, then toss with freshly prepared salad ingredients and dressing.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness of your stored chicken tenders, reheat them in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating from getting soggy. Then, simply assemble your salad fresh for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Frozen chicken tenders can work, but it’s best to thaw them first so the breading adheres well and cooks evenly in the air fryer. Thaw completely and pat dry before starting the breading process.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Though the air fryer gives extra crispiness, the oven method is a great alternative.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! Using lean chicken tenders, air frying instead of deep frying, and pairing with a fresh vegetable-rich salad makes this dish a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The honey mustard dressing can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to recombine the ingredients.
What alternatives can I use for the mixed greens?
You can customize the salad with any fresh leafy greens you prefer such as kale, romaine, or butter lettuce. Mixing a variety of textures and flavors keeps the salad interesting and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves the satisfying crunch of fried chicken combined with the fresh zestiness of a vibrant salad. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion when you want something light yet fulfilling. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add your own twists to make it your signature go-to meal!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is a healthy and delicious meal featuring crispy air-fried chicken tenders atop a fresh mixed green salad. The chicken is coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture for perfect crunch without deep frying, while the homemade honey mustard dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
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)
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, or 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)
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) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken tender lightly with flour, then dip into the eggs, followed by coating thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to guarantee even crispiness, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your taste preferences.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumber, chopped tomato, thinly sliced red onion, sliced avocado, and shredded carrots. Toss gently to mix.
- Add Chicken to Salad: Slice the air-fried chicken tenders into strips and arrange them on top of the mixed salad.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing evenly over the salad and chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the panko breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can make the honey mustard dressing ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Adjust the seasoning and spice levels in the breadcrumb mixture to your preference by adding cayenne pepper or dried herbs.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.
