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
Scale
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.
