Name: Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard (Easy & Healthy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken tenders; Olive oil spray; Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard (Easy & Healthy)

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This air fried chicken tender salad with honey mustard is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. It’s crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor, thanks to the crispy chicken tenders and a creamy homemade honey mustard dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it balances indulgence with health. The air fryer gives the chicken tenders a crispy, golden crust without the extra oil, so I get all the crunch I crave with fewer calories. Pairing them with a fresh salad makes the meal lighter, while the honey mustard dressing ties everything together with a sweet and tangy kick. It’s a dish I can enjoy for lunch or dinner, and it always leaves me feeling full and energized. Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard (Easy & Healthy)

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders
Olive oil spray
Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Red onion
Shredded carrots
Shredded cheese (optional)
Honey
Dijon mustard
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
Apple cider vinegar

Directions

I start by preheating my air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
I coat the chicken tenders lightly with olive oil spray and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then I dredge them in breadcrumbs or panko.
I place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked.
While the chicken cooks, I prepare the salad base by mixing greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots in a large bowl.
For the honey mustard, I whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), and a splash of apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Once the chicken tenders are done, I slice them and place them on top of the salad.
I drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the top and sprinkle some shredded cheese if I want extra richness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 2–3 servings, depending on portion size. From start to finish, it usually takes me around 25 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the chicken tenders for grilled chicken if I want an even lighter version. I also like to add avocado slices for creaminess or roasted chickpeas for extra crunch. If I’m craving a little spice, I mix some hot sauce into the honey mustard dressing for a sweet and spicy twist.

storage/reheating

I usually store leftover chicken tenders separately from the salad so they don’t get soggy. They keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes so they stay crispy. The salad itself is best eaten fresh, but the dressing can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders in this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen tenders, but I make sure to add a few extra minutes of cook time in the air fryer until they’re crispy and cooked through.

What can I use instead of honey mustard dressing?

If I don’t feel like honey mustard, I like using ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a light Caesar dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I usually prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, but I keep the chicken and dressing separate until I’m ready to serve so everything stays fresh.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If I don’t have a thermometer, I cut into the thickest piece to make sure there’s no pink inside.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Yes, I skip the breadcrumbs and just season the chicken tenders before air frying. I also leave out the honey in the dressing or replace it with a low-carb sweetener.

Conclusion

This air fried chicken tender salad with honey mustard is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s easy, healthy, and always delicious. The crispy chicken adds the perfect crunch, the veggies keep it fresh, and the sweet-tangy dressing pulls everything together. It’s quick enough for a weekday meal but satisfying enough to feel like a treat.

Air Fried Chicken Tender Salad with Honey Mustard (Easy & Healthy)