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