Crispy & Tender Air Fryer Chicken Breast Salad
Crispy & Tender Air Fryer Chicken Breast Salad
A Healthy Meal! Simple and Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Breast Salad
As the cool autumn breeze begins to settle in, the temperature difference between day and night increases, signaling the change of seasons. This is the time of year when we need to pay extra attention to our health. Personally, I’m focusing on maintaining a healthy diet as winter approaches. For those of you looking for nutritious and tasty meals to complement your workouts, I’m sharing a fantastic recipe for chicken breast salad using an air fryer. Chicken breast is a well-known source of protein, often favored by fitness enthusiasts. While marinating and grilling fresh chicken breast is delicious, it can be a bit time-consuming daily. That’s where the air fryer truly shines! You can effortlessly crisp up pre-cooked frozen chicken breast pieces or chicken products, serving them alongside a fresh salad for a lighter and tastier meal. I’ll even be sharing a foolproof dressing recipe that guarantees deliciousness. Combine this with fresh vegetables and a hard-boiled egg for an even more satisfying and wholesome meal. Let’s get started on this easy yet incredibly flavorful air fryer chicken breast salad!
Salad Ingredients- 200g frozen breaded chicken breast or chicken product
- 1/2 head Romaine lettuce
- 1 fresh tomato
- 1 hard-boiled egg
Special Salad Dressing- 2 Tbsp store-bought Caesar dressing
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp organic honey
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp store-bought Caesar dressing
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp organic honey
- 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, hard-boil one egg for about 8 minutes until fully cooked. Once boiled, briefly immerse the egg in cold water; this makes peeling the shell much easier.
Step 2
2. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the frozen chicken breast or chicken product into the air fryer basket. Cooking times can vary by product, but typically, air frying at 180°C for 10-12 minutes will ensure it’s cooked through with a delightful crispiness. (If using raw frozen chicken breast, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly for sufficient time for safety.)
Step 3
3. To add freshness to the salad, trim the base of the Romaine lettuce and wash it thoroughly. Then, slice the leaves diagonally into approximately 2cm (about 3/4 inch) thick pieces for easy eating.
Step 4
4. Rinse the prepared Romaine lettuce under cold running water multiple times to remove any dirt or residue. After washing, drain it well in a colander; this prevents the salad from becoming soggy and maintains its crisp texture.
Step 5
5. Remove the stem from the fresh tomato. Depending on its size, cut it into 6 or 8 wedges, preparing it to be artfully arranged in the salad.
Step 6
6. Now, let’s make the delicious dressing that will elevate your chicken breast salad! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of store-bought Caesar dressing, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of organic honey, and 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together with a whisk or fork until smooth and well combined. Using plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise creates a lighter and tangier flavor.
Step 7
7. Peel the shell off the hard-boiled egg you prepared earlier, and then cut it into 4 equal wedges, ready to be placed on top of the salad.
Step 8
8. Carefully remove the crispy, perfectly cooked chicken from the air fryer. Let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes before adding it to the salad. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent.
Step 9
9. Once slightly cooled, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5cm (slightly over 1/2 inch) thick. If the breading is particularly thick, you can cut them a bit thinner.
Step 10
10. Arrange the fresh Romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, and hard-boiled egg quarters attractively on a large plate or in a salad bowl. Top with the sliced chicken breast and drizzle generously with the homemade dressing. Your healthy and nutritious Air Fryer Chicken Breast Salad is now complete!
Step 11
The special dressing we made today pairs exceptionally well with the chicken breast salad. It’s a recipe that everyone will enjoy – a healthy air fryer dish that’s not fried, offering a satisfying crispiness from the vegetables alongside the tender chicken. Enjoy your delicious and wholesome chicken breast salad today! 🙂
