Why I Love This Recipe

This air fryer BBQ chicken salad is one of my favorite easy, high-protein meals because it’s packed with flavor and comes together fast. Juicy BBQ chicken thighs are air fried until crispy, then served over fresh romaine with cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted corn, black beans, and pickled red onion. Topped with shredded cheddar and a drizzle of ranch, this BBQ chicken salad is ideal for a quick lunch or healthy dinner.

Enjoying The Leftovers

This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Salad is great for prepping ahead. Just store the components separately to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Storing:

Store the cooked BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the chopped veggies, lettuce, and toppings in a separate container, and store the ranch dressing on the side. For best texture, avoid assembling the salad until you’re ready to eat.

Reheating:

To reheat, warm the BBQ chicken in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back some crispiness. Once warmed, add the chicken to your fresh salad, drizzle with ranch, and enjoy.

A bowl of air fried BBQ chicken salad with corn, avocado, black beans & tomatoes
No ratings yet

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Salad

Make a quick and flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Salad with tender, crispy chicken thighs, fresh romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted corn, black beans, and a zesty ranch dressing. It's perfect for a healthy, protein-packed meal in minutes.
Print Pin Watch Video
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
US M
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • Choice of BBQ sauce
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, sliced
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup roasted corn
  • 1/2 cup black beans
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Choice of ranch
US – M

Instructions

  • Generously brush the BBQ sauce on the chicken thighs.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked and crispy.
  • Meanwhile, prep all your other salad ingredients.
  • Once the chicken has cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
  • To a large bowl, add all your salad ingredients and top with BBQ chicken and some ranch. Enjoy!

Equipment

air fryer
cutting board

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 671kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 41g | Fiber: 7g