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
Scale
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.
