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.
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
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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.
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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.
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3
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray.
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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.
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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).
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6
Serve immediately with 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (for dipping).