Description
Crispy and flavorful Coconut Chicken Tenders coated with a crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened coconut flakes, seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then air fried to golden perfection. These tenderloins make for a delicious snack or meal, served warm with your favorite dipping sauce and a hint of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
Coating
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 3/4 cup Japanese bread crumbs (panko)
Instructions
- Prepare the breading station: Gather three plates. On the first plate, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use a fork to evenly mix the spices into the flour.
- Prepare egg wash: On the second plate, whisk the eggs until smooth for dipping the chicken tenders later.
- Mix coating: On the third plate, combine the Japanese bread crumbs (panko) and unsweetened coconut flakes for the final coating layer.
- Bread the chicken tenders: Dredge each chicken tenderloins in the flour and spice mixture, coating all sides well. Then dip each side of the tender into the whisked eggs. Finally, roll each tender in the panko-coconut mixture until evenly coated.
- Air fry the chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders spaced evenly in the basket of an air fryer preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil to encourage crisping.
- Cook and rest: Air fry the chicken tenders for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the coconut chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauce and a drizzle of hot sauce for an added spicy kick.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the air frying time.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the seasoning amounts to taste for a milder or stronger flavored coating.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Serve with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or ranch dressing for variety.
