Air Fryer Santa Fe Chicken Salad with Spiced Mayo Drizzle
A Tex-Mex inspired salad featuring perfectly seasoned air fryer chicken breast served over crisp romaine with fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips. The signature Santa Fe sauce combines mayonnaise with warm spices for a tangy, smoky finish. This restaurant-style copycat delivers bold southwestern flavors in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The air fryer creates juicy, well-seasoned chicken without added oil while keeping prep simple.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ large lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup tortilla stripscrushed tortilla chips1:1gluten_free
easier to find
Instructions
- 1
Rub chicken breast with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper
- 2
Spray air fryer basket with cooking oil and place seasoned chicken inside
- 3
Cook at 360°F for 9 minutes, then flip chicken and cook another 6-9 minutes depending on size
- 4
Set chicken aside to cool, then slice thinly
- 5
Mix pico de gallo ingredients in one bowl and Santa Fe sauce ingredients in another
- 6
Toss romaine lettuce with ranch dressing
- 7
Top lettuce with pico de gallo, sliced chicken, avocado, and tortilla strips
- 8
Drizzle Santa Fe sauce over salad and serve
Tips
Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer - internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Prepare pico de gallo and Santa Fe sauce ahead of time to allow flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Store assembled salad in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and sauce separate until serving.
Cook chicken and prepare sauces up to 2 days ahead. Assemble salad just before serving.
Serve immediately after assembly to maintain lettuce crispness and prevent tortilla strips from becoming soggy.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness - use meat thermometer for accuracy.
Add dressing just before serving to prevent wilted lettuce.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
easier to find
FAQ
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking time may vary based on thickness.
How long does the Santa Fe sauce keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use dairy-free ranch dressing or a simple lime vinaigrette instead.