American Chicken Caesar Salad with Air Fryer Croutons
A lighter take on the classic Caesar salad with crispy air-fried chicken and homemade croutons.
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- • Small bowl
- • Medium bowl
- • Air Fryer
- • Chef's knife
- • Cutting board
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
420
Protein
30g
Carbs
25g
Fat
25g
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: preheating
- 2
If making homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
⏱️ 7 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 3
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick slices (this helps them cook quickly and evenly).
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: cutting
- 4
In a small bowl, whisk (beat rapidly) together the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to make the Caesar dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
⏱️ 3 minutes
Technique: whisking
- 5
Place chicken slices in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
⏱️ 10 minutes
Technique: air frying
- 6
While the chicken is cooking, chop the romaine lettuce.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: chopping
- 7
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing. Make sure the lettuce is coated evenly.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: tossing
- 8
Divide the dressed lettuce between two bowls. Top with air-fried chicken, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
Technique: none
💡 Chef's Tips
Add a sprinkle of black pepper on top of the salad for extra flavor.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcooking the chicken, making it dry.
- • Adding too much dressing, making the salad soggy.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • No complex cooking methods
- • Easy assembly
- • Customizable
! What requires attention:
- • Balancing flavors in the dressing
- • Air frying bread without burning
