Crispy Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad Recipe Delight

There’s nothing quite like a plate of Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad to make your taste buds dance. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders perched atop a vibrant bed of fresh greens, all drizzled with a zesty dressing that tingles your senses. The crunch of the lettuce, the juiciness of the chicken, and just the right amount of tang from the dressing create a symphony of flavors that sing in harmony. For more inspiration, check out this lunch options recipe.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin, who typically avoids anything green, was shoveling salad into his mouth like it was candy! It was a moment of pure joy as I watched everyone dive into their plates, proving that salads can indeed be crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just trying to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to steal the show with its delightful flavors and cheerful presentation. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Last week, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this salad was at our potluck dinner.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work perfectly; adjust based on your crowd size.

• All-Purpose Flour: For dredging; helps achieve that crispy coating when air frying.

• Eggs: Just two will do; these will help the flour stick like best friends.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide an irresistible crunch; they’re like little crunchy hugs for your chicken.

• Mixed Salad Greens: A colorful blend adds crunch and nutrition; think arugula, romaine, and spinach for variety.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for sweetness and color; they’ll brighten up your plate beautifully.

• Cucumber: Sliced for freshness; it adds a cool contrast to the warm chicken.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for rich flavor; it’s liquid gold in salad dressings.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Honey: A drizzle gives a sweet touch to balance out acidity; think sunshine in a bottle.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these basics!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad

Prep Your Chicken Tenders: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts. Cut them into strips about one inch wide.

Dredge Like You Mean It: Set out three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk two eggs until frothy. In the third bowl, add panko bread crumbs for that glorious crunch.

Coat Those Tenders: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Next, dunk it into the egg wash before finally rolling it in panko crumbs until fully coated.

Air Fry Time! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray lightly with cooking oil for an extra crispy finish.

Crisp Until Golden: Cook for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they’re safe to eat—and totally yummy!

Toss Everything Together: While the chicken cooks, prepare your salad by tossing mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber together in a large bowl. Drizzle some dressing over it just before serving.

Serve immediately with those hot chicken tenders on top! Enjoy watching everyone devour it like it’s going out of style.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. Then preheat your air fryer while tossing salad ingredients together for maximum efficiency and flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the salad greens for your favorites. Add nuts, cheese, or seasonal veggies to personalize your Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad to fit your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders and salad separately in airtight containers. Reheat tenders in the air fryer for optimal crispness, but enjoy the salad cold for freshness.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that summer BBQ where everyone raved about my chicken tenders, turning me into the unofficial chef of the family!

FAQ

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, spray a light layer of cooking oil over the breaded tenders before air frying.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders; just increase cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

What dressing pairs well with this salad?

A tangy vinaigrette or ranch dressing complements Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad beautifully.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad is a delightful fusion of crispy chicken tenders and fresh greens, drizzled with a zesty dressing that elevates your meal to new heights. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, transforming the way you think about salads. With its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors, this salad will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, romaine, spinach)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by trimming fat and cutting into strips.
2. Dredge each strip in seasoned flour, dip in whisked eggs, then coat with panko.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place coated tenders in the basket and spray lightly with cooking oil.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Toss salad greens, tomatoes, and cucumber in a bowl; drizzle with dressing just before serving.
6. Serve hot chicken tenders on top of the salad.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 salad (approximately 375g)
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 100mg