Yogurt-Spiced Chicken (Air Fryer) for Salad

 

Serves 1 generous salad portion (or 2 lighter ones)

🍗 Ingredients:

• 2 chicken tenders (about 4–5 oz total), cut into ¾" cubes

• 3 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% preferred)

• 1 garlic clove, minced or grated

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for gentle heat)

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• Crack of black pepper

• 1 tsp olive oil (helps crisp in air fryer)

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional—but brightens the flavor)

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🥣 Marinate:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add chicken cubes and toss until fully coated.

3. Let sit at least 30 minutes in the fridge (up to 4 hours is even better for tenderness and depth).

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🍽️ Air Fryer Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (or 190°C) for a few minutes.

2. Lightly oil or spray the basket.

3. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, not touching.

4. Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden with slight char and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F).

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🥗 Build the Salad

Here’s a combo that pairs great with blue cheese and the warm spices:

Component	Suggestions
Greens	Mixed spring greens, spinach, or romaine + arugula
Veggies	Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, maybe shaved radish
Cheese	Blue cheese crumbles (your anchor flavor!)
Crunch	Toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for contrast
Extras	Sliced avocado or hard-boiled egg for bonus fat/protein
Dressing	A light vinaigrette (balsamic, lemon-garlic, or red wine) OR a drizzle of olive oil + vinegar over everything