Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard Recipe

Say hello to your newest crave-worthy lunch obsession: the Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard! This vibrant, crunchy, and colorful salad is packed with crispy golden chicken tenders (made effortlessly in your air fryer) and finished with the dreamiest homemade honey mustard dressing. Every bite is a feel-good medley of savory, sweet, and tangy—truly a delight you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes the Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard so irresistible—simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic! Each one is essential for building those layers of texture, flavor, and color that make every forkful exciting.

• Chicken tenders: Tender, juicy, and the perfect protein for a crispy coating—look for ones that are fresh and similar in size for even cooking.
• Gluten free breadcrumbs: Delivers a golden, crunchy crust without gluten; feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade.
• Egg: Acts as the binder so that your breadcrumbs hug every inch of the chicken.
• Sea salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These seasonings infuse every bite of chicken with bold, savory flavor and a touch of color.
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp, cool, and sturdy enough to hold up under those warm chicken tenders.
• Tomatoes and cucumber: Juicy pops of freshness that brighten up every salad bowl.
• Avocado: Buttery slices add lovely richness and balance out the tangy honey mustard.
• Red onion: Thin slivers bring a little zing and crunch (soak in water if you like a milder bite!).
• Dijon mustard & whole grain dijon: Give that homemade honey mustard its unmistakable tang and grainy pizzazz.
• Honey: For pure, natural sweetness that makes the dressing totally addictive.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens up the honey mustard with a gentle zest.
• Dash of sea salt (for the dressing): A sprinkle binds it all together—you’ll taste the difference!

Variations

The beauty of this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard is how effortlessly it adapts to your cravings, swaps, and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative—there’s room for all your favorite flavors!

• Switch up the greens: Try baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or kale for a different nutrient boost and texture.
• Veggie variations: Add shredded carrots, sliced radishes, or roasted bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
• Cheese, please: Crumble feta or sprinkle parmesan over the top if you love a cheesy finish.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne to your breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick.
• Dairy-free dressing: Swap out regular honey mustard for a cashew or vegan-based version if you prefer.

How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

First things first: remove any excess liquid from the chicken tenders to help that coating stick. Whisk your egg in a bowl and set aside, then mix your gluten free breadcrumbs with all those wonderful seasonings in a separate bowl. This step makes a huge difference in flavor—it’s where the magic begins!

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender first into the whisked egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Really press them in there so every side is blanketed in seasoned crunch. This ensures the air fryer gives you that “fried to perfection” finish.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

Arrange your breaded tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 350°F for about 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is deep golden brown and the chicken cooks through to juicy, tender perfection.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

While the chicken cooks, build a generous bed of romaine in your salad bowls. Top with sliced cucumber, juicy tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and creamy avocado. This is your fresh, flavor-packed foundation.

Step 5: Whisk the Honey Mustard

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain Dijon, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt. Taste and adjust as you go—the balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy is what makes this dressing so irresistible on your Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Slice or leave the hot, crispy chicken whole and lay them atop your colorful greens. Drizzle with a generous pour of honey mustard, and grab your fork—lunch (or dinner!) just became the highlight of your day.

How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard

Garnishes

Bring your Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard to life with a handful of fresh garnishes! Sprinkle on extra chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of color and freshness. For extra crunch, try a handful of sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with a simple side of warm baguette, gluten-free crackers, or even a cup of soup (like a chilled cucumber gazpacho or roasted tomato basil) for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. It’s equally delicious with a light fruit salad for a fresh finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your salad into a show-stopper by serving it layered in glass jars for meal prep, plating it on a big platter for a family-style feast, or even arranging mini salads in individual cups for a brunch buffet. Drizzle the honey mustard with a flourish just before serving for instant wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken tenders, vegetables, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps everything crisp and fresh—and makes assembling another quick salad a breeze.

Freezing

The breaded, cooked chicken tenders freeze remarkably well! Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, just reheat in your air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy. (Salad veggies and dressing are best fresh!)

Reheating

Revive leftover tenders in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes—no sogginess in sight! Give the veggies a quick toss and whisk the dressing again before assembling your next Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard! It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying, colorful, and downright joyful meal. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your lunch (or dinner!) lineup. Happy crunching!

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