Zesty Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad With Honey Mustard Recipe

Crispy and golden air fried chicken tenders dance atop a bed of fresh greens, creating a delightful honey mustard chicken tender salad that promises pure satisfaction.

The light crunch of perfectly seasoned chicken combines with vibrant salad ingredients for a meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

The air fryer works its magic, ensuring tender chicken with minimal oil and maximum taste.

Zesty honey mustard dressing adds a tangy punch that elevates this simple salad into something spectacular.

Packed with protein and bursting with freshness, this dish comes together in minutes for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering forkful of this irresistible chicken tender salad.

Air Fried Chicken Salad With Honey Mustard Joy

• Stress-Free Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant monitoring or complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty and creamy chili packed with protein and robust flavors that will satisfy hungry family members and dinner guests.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: One-pot recipe means fewer dishes to wash and less time spent scrubbing pots and pans after meal preparation.
• Flexible Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or potluck events where you need a delicious and filling dish that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients for Air Fried Chicken Salad Bowl

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders perfect for creating a crispy and flavorful salad topping.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior coating for the chicken tenders.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the breading.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herb flavors to the chicken coating.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild, sweet pepper flavor and reddish color.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a savory and aromatic seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Offers a subtle, sweet onion flavor to the breading.

• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken tenders.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh green base for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Adds bright color and juicy freshness.
• Cucumber: Provides a cool and crunchy element to the salad.
• Red Onion: Introduces a sharp and zesty flavor.
• Avocado: Contributes creamy texture and healthy fats.

• Dijon Mustard: Offers a tangy and sharp flavor base.
• Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: Adds texture and robust mustard taste.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness to balance the mustard.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy and bright acidic note.
• Sea Salt: Enhances and balances the dressing flavors.

Steps to Build Chicken Salad With Honey Mustard

Step 1: Create Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Sea salt
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk an egg in a separate bowl. Pat chicken tenders completely dry.

Dunk each tender into the egg, then roll generously in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat air fryer to 350°F.

Carefully arrange breaded tenders in the basket without crowding. Cook for 14 minutes, turning halfway through.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Build Fresh Vibrant Salad

• Romaine lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumber
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Creamy avocado chunks

Step 4: Whip Up Tangy Honey Mustard

• Dijon mustard
• Whole grain Dijon
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of sea salt

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Devour

Top salad with crispy chicken tenders. Drizzle generously with honey mustard dressing.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor!

Good Notes for Crispy Chicken Salad Perfection

• Remove excess moisture from chicken tenders before breading to ensure a crispier, more golden coating that sticks perfectly.
• Space chicken tenders in the air fryer basket without touching to allow hot air circulation and achieve maximum crunchiness.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cayenne, or herbs to create unique flavor profiles for the breading.
• Replace chicken tenders with tofu, cauliflower, or fish fillets to accommodate dietary preferences while maintaining the same delicious crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat.

Swap Ideas for Air Fried Chicken Salad Bowl

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add chili powder and cayenne to the breading mixture, top salad with black beans and corn for a zesty southwestern variation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken tenders with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same crispy coating technique.
• Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, replace honey with sugar-free sweetener in dressing, and serve over mixed greens for a keto-friendly meal.

Sips and Sides With Chicken Salad Bowls

• Elevate Flavor Fusion: Pair this crispy chicken tender salad with a bright, citrusy sauvignon blanc that cuts through the richness of the breaded chicken and complements the tangy honey mustard dressing.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve an ice-cold lemonade or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon to balance the savory chicken and provide a light, refreshing counterpoint to the salad's bold flavors.
• Complementary Side Delight: Add a small slice of crusty sourdough bread or garlic crostini to provide a crunchy texture that echoes the crispy chicken tenders and helps soak up the delicious honey mustard dressing.

Storing Air Fried Chicken Salad for Later Lunch

• Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Arrange cold tenders in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.

FAQs

• Are chicken tenders healthy?

Chicken tenders are a good source of lean protein and can be a healthier option when air fried instead of deep-fried, reducing oil and calorie intake.

• Can I use different breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, gluten-free, or whole wheat breadcrumbs as alternatives to traditional breadcrumbs for coating the chicken tenders.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C) to ensure it’s fully and safely cooked.

• Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can chop vegetables and prepare the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to add the chicken and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad With Honey Mustard Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fried chicken tenders dance atop a fresh salad, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Zesty honey mustard dressing adds bold flavor, making this dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Breading:

• 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, whisked

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty coating by combining breadcrumbs with aromatic seasonings like sea salt, Italian herbs, paprika, garlic, and onion powder in a mixing bowl.
2. Whisk an egg in a separate container for dipping the chicken tenders.
3. Thoroughly pat chicken tenders dry to ensure optimal breading adherence.
4. Dunk each tender into the whisked egg, then generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat air fryer to 350F (175C) for precise cooking.
6. Arrange breaded tenders in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, allowing space between pieces.
7. Air fry for 14 minutes, carefully turning halfway through to achieve golden, crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
8. While chicken cooks, compose a vibrant salad base using crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, sharp red onion, and creamy avocado.
9. Craft a tangy honey mustard dressing by whisking together Dijon mustards, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt.
10. Once chicken is done, slice tenders and strategically place atop the prepared salad greens.
11. Finish by drizzling the homemade honey mustard dressing over the chicken and salad.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are thoroughly dried before breading to achieve maximum crispiness and help the coating adhere perfectly.
• Try different breadcrumb variations like panko, gluten-free, or seasoned breadcrumbs to customize texture and flavor profile.
• Adjust air fryer cooking time based on chicken tender thickness, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this vibrant, protein-packed salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg