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When it comes to family meals and gatherings, few dishes can match the universal appeal of chicken tenders. These juicy, tender pieces of chicken are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making them a favorite among both children and adults alike. Today, we're going to elevate this classic dish with a tropical twist: Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. This recipe combines the familiar comfort of chicken tenders with the delightful crunch of coconut, creating a deliciously crispy delight that everyone will enjoy.

Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Elevate your meal with Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, a delicious spin on the classic dish that everyone loves. This recipe features juicy chicken that's coated in a crunchy mix of unsweetened coconut and panko breadcrumbs, delivering a crispy texture without the added oil from traditional frying. Perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner, these tenders are both nutritious and simple to make. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs. In the third dish, combine the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

    Dredge the Chicken: Take one chicken tender and dip it first into the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour, then transfer the chicken to the egg mixture, allowing it to soak in. Finally, coat the chicken with the coconut and panko mixture, pressing down lightly to adhere the coating.

      Repeat for All Tenders: Continue this process for the remaining chicken tenders until they are all well-coated with the coconut mixture.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the tenders cook evenly.

          Arrange in the Air Fryer: Once preheated, arrange the coconut-crusted chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

            Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

              Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet chili sauce or honey mustard.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings