It doesn’t get much better than crispy chicken tenders served on a fresh bed of greens! This used to be my go-to order when I was younger, and the classic combo of chicken tenders with honey mustard never gets old. Now, you can enjoy this delicious dish right at home with this easy recipe for Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard.
This salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch with leftovers. It’s a lighter, homemade take on a restaurant favorite, featuring perfectly crispy chicken tenders on a bed of fresh romaine and veggies.
What You’ll Need:
For the chicken tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
- 1/2 cup tomatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1/3 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
For the homemade honey mustard dressing:
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Dash of sea salt
How to Make It:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the chicken: In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with all the seasonings. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Air fry: Place the coated tenders in your air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Prepare the salad: While the chicken cooks, assemble your salad by combining romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado in a large bowl or on plates.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve: Top the salad with crispy chicken tenders, drizzle with honey mustard dressing, and enjoy immediately!
Storage Tips:
If you have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) and chicken tenders separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken tenders stay best for up to 2 days, and the honey mustard dressing can keep for about a week.
Mix It Up!
- Add your favorite salad toppings like pickled onions, shredded cheese, or nuts.
- Use store-bought honey mustard if you want to save time.
- Swap the greens for a hearty kale or Brussels sprout salad for a different twist.
FAQs
Do I have to use an air fryer?
I’ve only made these tenders in the air fryer, and they come out perfectly crispy. If you don’t have one, you could try baking or pan-frying, but cooking times may vary.
What air fryer do you recommend?
I personally love this model [link to air fryer], but any good-quality air fryer should work.
How long do leftovers last?
Keep chicken tenders stored in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Save & Pin This Recipe!
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Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard
Serves 2 | Prep Time: 7 minutes | Cook Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 21 minutes