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Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, revolutionizing home cooking with their ability to create crispy, delicious meals with significantly less oil. This modern kitchen appliance not only saves time but also promotes healthier eating habits, making it a favorite among health-conscious home chefs.

Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Cups

Elevate your spring gatherings with these Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Cups! Perfect for brunch or as a light lunch, this recipe brings a refreshing burst of flavors with tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. The creamy dressing ties it all together for a satisfying bite. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Try this delightful dish tonight and save it for your next spring celebration!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t done so yet, prepare your chicken by roasting, boiling, or using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

      Mix the Salad: To the dressing, add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Gently fold all the ingredients into the dressing, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

        Season to Taste: Take a moment to taste your chicken salad mixture, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle in a bit more honey.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

            Prepare for Air Frying: Use small, oven-safe bowls or silicone muffin cups to form the salad cups. Spoon the chicken salad mixture into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full.

              Air Fry the Cups: Carefully place the filled bowls into the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy.

                Construct the Salad Cups: Once done, carefully take the bowls out of the air fryer. Scoop a generous portion of the warm chicken salad into each lettuce leaf to create delightful, handheld salad cups.

                  Add Garnish: For a vibrant touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley on top, enhancing both the presentation and flavor.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Relish your Air Fryer Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Cups right away, perfect as a refreshing lunch or enticing appetizer!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings