If you’re looking for a flavorful, crispy, and healthy salad that’s easy to make, Cajun Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is the perfect choice. This dish brings together the bold flavors of Cajun-spiced chicken tenders with a homemade Caesar dressing, fresh lettuce, and croutons. The chicken is perfectly crisped in the air fryer, making it a lighter, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. This salad is a great option for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Why Cajun Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is Irresistible

This salad is a delicious twist on the traditional Caesar salad. The Cajun-spiced chicken provides a perfect balance of heat and flavor, while the creamy homemade Caesar dressing adds a rich and tangy touch. The air-fried chicken ensures that each bite is crispy on the outside but tender on the inside, making it the ultimate comfort food in salad form. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a show-stopping dish, this salad delivers both in flavor and presentation!

Cajun Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tinned anchovies (fillets)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (345g)

For the Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Chicken:

450g (1 lb) chicken breast tenderloins
2 cups all-purpose flour (130g)
1 egg, whisked
4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
Vegetable oil (spray bottle)

For the Salad:

Romaine or cos lettuce (chopped)
Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cajun Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

1. Prepare the Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Chicken:

In a bowl, season the chicken tenderloins with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and 1 tablespoon of salt.
Prepare two additional bowls:
- In the first, whisk the egg.
- In the second, combine flour, remaining Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
Dip the seasoned chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Place the coated chicken tenders into the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches.
Spray the chicken with vegetable oil and air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Spray again with oil after flipping.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the basket and set aside to rest.

2. Make the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Caesar dressing. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and mayonnaise to a food processor or blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with some of the homemade Caesar dressing.
Add the croutons and sliced pieces of air-fried Cajun chicken tenders.
Top with extra Parmesan cheese and toss again to coat the ingredients in the dressing.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the Cajun seasoning and red chili flakes to your taste.
Air Fryer Tips: Make sure to spray the chicken tenders generously with oil before and halfway through air frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
Storage: Leftover Caesar dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Serving Ideas: This salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner, and it pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cajun Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

A healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring crispy Cajun-spiced chicken, homemade dressing, and fresh greens, all made in the air fryer.

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Ingredients

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove minced
3 tinned anchovies fillets
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 345g
For the Air Fryer Crispy Cajun Chicken:
450 g 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
2 cups all-purpose flour 130g
1 egg whisked
4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
Vegetable oil spray bottle
For the Salad:
Romaine or cos lettuce chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Croutons store-bought or homemade

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and salt. Coat in egg wash and flour mixture.
Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the Caesar Dressing:
Blend Parmesan cheese, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
Toss lettuce with Caesar dressing, add croutons and sliced chicken. Top with Parmesan and serve.