Easy Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy & Healthy!

Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken? Air fryer coconut chicken tenders are just what you need. This recipe combines the sweet, nutty flavor of coconut with the juicy tenderness of chicken, all while keeping things light and healthy.

Using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, making these healthy chicken tenders a great option for any meal. I’m very happy to share this straightforward recipe with you.

See also: Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients Needed

Here are the coconut chicken tenders ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into strips
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Coconut Flakes (sweetened or unsweetened, based on preference)
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• Olive Oil Spray: For coating

These air fryer ingredients can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. The combination of spices forms a basic but flavorful chicken tender seasoning that enhances the overall taste.

Necessary Cooking Tools

To prepare these coconut chicken tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients and tools:

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the tenders to a crispy perfection.
• Mixing Bowls: For the flour, egg, and coconut mixtures.
• Tongs: To handle the chicken strips without making a mess.
• Cooking Spray: Olive oil spray works well to ensure even crisping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.

With these tools and ingredients on hand, you’re all set to make a delicious batch of crispy coconut chicken tenders.

How to Make Your Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders

Here’s how to make coconut chicken tenders in a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious, crispy result.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating is key to flavorful chicken tenders and helps keep the meat tender.

1. Basic Marinade:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2. Instructions:

• Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
• Add chicken strips, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).

Coating the Chicken

The coconut panko crust gives a great texture and flavor.

1. Prepare Coating:

• Mix 1 cup of coconut flakes and 1 cup of panko bread crumbs in a bowl.
• In separate bowls, place 1/2 cup flour and 2 beaten eggs.

2. Coating Process:

• Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess.
• Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the coconut-panko mixture.
• Press gently to ensure an even, crispy chicken coating.

Air Frying Process

Air frying chicken results in a crispy exterior without excess oil.

1. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange and Cook:

• Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Lightly spray with olive oil.
• Cooking times for chicken tenders: Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Essential Note: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Serving Suggestions

Serving coconut chicken tenders is easy and versatile. Here are some great side dishes and dipping sauces for chicken that complement their sweet and savory flavor:

• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy kick.
• Honey Mustard: Perfect for a sweet and spicy blend.
• Yogurt-Based Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a refreshing dip.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini work well.
• Rice or Quinoa: Simple and filling grains to round out the meal.

How to Store and Reheat

To keep your leftovers just as tasty, follow these storage and reheating tips:

Storage:

• Place chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen.

Reheating:

• In the Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy.
• In the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
• Avoid the Microwave: It can make the coating soggy.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Chicken Tenders

Here are some air fryer tips to ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time:

1. Do Not Overcrowd: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
2. Shake Off Excess Coating: Before placing the tenders in the air fryer, gently shake off any extra flour, egg, or coconut-panko mix to avoid clumping.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat to ensure consistent cooking temperatures.
4. Use Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tenders before cooking to enhance crispiness.
5. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

With these tips and tricks, your perfect chicken tenders will be crispy and delicious every time. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken!

FAQs on Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Tenders

Final Words

Making this coconut chicken recipe in an air fryer is both easy and healthy. You get crispy coconut chicken tenders with less oil and mess.

The air fryer keeps the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked. Give it a try and see how simple it is to try air fryer recipes. Enjoy these healthy chicken tenders with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.

I’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe!

See more delicious air fryer recipes that you’ll love

1. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
2. Easy Air Fryer Ratatouille
3. Easy Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan Chips
4. Air Fryer Loaded Nachos Recipe
5. Easy Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

More? Check out my air fryer recipes page to navigate.

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