Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders

Name: Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions

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

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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.

How long does Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Coconut Lime Chicken Tenders?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

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