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Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders

Crispy coconut-crusted chicken tenders with bright lime zest, cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer with none of the mess of deep frying.

39 minEasyServes 4400 cal/serving

CaribbeanDinnerAir FryerStandardHigh ProteinLow CarbPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp lime zest, finely grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • as needed cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 beaten large eggs and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. In a second shallow bowl, combine 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tsp finely grated lime zest, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.

  2. 2

    Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins dry. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press firmly into the coconut-panko mixture to coat all sides.

  3. 3

    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.

  4. 4

    Arrange coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray.

  5. 5

    Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip each tender, mist again with cooking spray, and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  6. 6

    Serve immediately with 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping).

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Questions

What internal temperature should Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders reach?

For Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders, the air fryer is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 3. The longest stretch at that heat is 7 minutes, in step 5. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why pat it dry first in Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders?

Step 2 reads: "Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins dry." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 2 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

What can I use instead of panko in Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders?

The entry for Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders calls for 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders uses 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins.

Can I make Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders comes from 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. For a milder plate, halve the cayenne; nothing else in the method changes.

Can I make Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders is 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

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