If you are searching for a dish that combines crisp, juicy chicken tenders with fresh, vibrant vegetables and a tangy, sweet dressing, look no further than this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe. Perfectly cooked chicken tenders coated in a golden, crunchy crust meet a medley of colorful greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, all brought together by a luscious honey mustard dressing. This salad not only satisfies your craving for something hearty but also keeps things bright and wholesome, making it an absolute winner for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this salad’s ingredients is what truly lets each component shine. Every element plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Chicken tenders (1 pound): The star protein, tender and perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Gives the chicken a tangy marinate that keeps it moist and tender.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Provides a light, crispy coating that seals in juicy chicken.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a savory cheesy note that elevates the crust’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle warmth and depth to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers a smoky, earthy hint to the crispy coating.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Cooking spray: Helps crisp up the chicken in the air fryer without excess oil.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): Crisp, fresh base providing a range of textures and vibrant green color.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Burst of juicy sweetness and color contrast.
- Cucumber (½, sliced): Adds cool crunch and freshness to every bite.
- Red onion (½, thinly sliced): Offers subtle sharpness and zing.
- Shredded carrots (½ cup): Introduces sweetness and bright orange hues.
- Dijon mustard (¼ cup): Key ingredient for honey mustard dressing, delivering tang and depth.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness to balance the mustard’s sharpness.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Creates a creamy texture for the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides acidity to brighten up the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning touches to elevate the dressing.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken tenders in a bowl and covering them completely with buttermilk. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang that enhances the final flavor. Marinate your chicken safely in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to achieve maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients not only create that irresistible crunch but also lend a wonderful herbal and Parmesan-infused flavor to every bite.
Step 3: Coat and Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray to promote crispiness. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn a golden brown color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Whisk the Honey Mustard Dressing
While the chicken is cooking, mix Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This simple homemade dressing is what truly ties the salad together with its perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Divide mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thin red onion, and shredded carrots evenly into four bowls. Place the hot, crispy chicken tenders on top and generously drizzle with the luscious honey mustard dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and cool, crisp vegetables.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
Garnishes
For added color and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives over the salad. Toasted sliced almonds or sunflower seeds can provide an extra crunch that complements the crisp chicken tenders beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like crusty whole-grain bread or a bowl of chilled cucumber soup. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes make an excellent choice alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe into a fun wrap by loading all the ingredients into a soft tortilla or pita bread for a portable, lunchbox-friendly option. Alternatively, serve the salad layered in clear glass jars to showcase the vibrant ingredients and drizzle dressing just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the chicken tenders and salad ingredients separate in airtight containers in the fridge. This method prevents sogginess and keeps the chicken crisp. The honey mustard dressing should be stored in its own container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
The chicken tenders can be frozen once cooked and cooled. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. However, fresh vegetables and dressing aren’t freezer-friendly, so only prepare those right before serving after thawing chicken.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy texture, reheat the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 to 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Fresh salad ingredients should be added after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips roughly the size of tenders and adjust marinating time if needed. Cooking time in the air fryer might be slightly longer for thicker pieces.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk for marinating?
Buttermilk works best for tenderizing and adding flavor, but you can substitute with plain yogurt or a milk and lemon juice mixture if needed. Just aim for a tangy liquid base to keep the chicken juicy.
Can I make the honey mustard dressing dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative, and you’ll still have a creamy, delicious dressing without any dairy.
What side dishes pair well with this salad?
Light, fresh sides like grilled vegetables, quinoa, or a warm baked potato complement this salad beautifully without overpowering its flavors.
How long can I keep the dressing in the fridge?
The honey mustard dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Always give it a good stir before serving since ingredients may separate over time.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of crispy, juicy chicken and fresh, crunchy veggies, all tied up in a sweet and tangy dressing. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes while being quick and easy to prepare. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to meals—you won’t regret it!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
Enjoy a crispy and flavorful Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad topped with a tangy honey mustard dressing. This healthy American dish features tender chicken coated in a Parmesan-panko crust, air fried to golden perfection, served over fresh mixed greens and colorful vegetables for a perfectly balanced meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
Honey Mustard Dressing
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Coat the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray each coated chicken tender with cooking spray to ensure a crispy crust. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: While the chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: Divide the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and shredded carrots evenly among four bowls. Top each salad with hot, crispy chicken tenders and drizzle with honey mustard dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the assembled salads right away to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken with fresh crisp vegetables and vibrant dressing.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping again in buttermilk and then the breadcrumb mixture before air frying.
- Add sliced avocado or hard-boiled eggs to the salad for additional protein and creaminess.
- The honey mustard dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week to save time.
