Air fryer coconut chicken strips (crispy tenders). This simple and healthy recipe is easy. It takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook with simple ingredients.
This simple coconut chicken recipe is versatile and can be served on any day of the weeknight with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe
These homemade chicken strips are crispy and delicious with incredible coconut flavor. This a chicken dinner recipe you should try.
You will love this air fryer coconut chicken strips (crispy tenders) recipe as much as I do because of the following reasons.
Crispy Texture -The air fryer helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken without the need for deep frying. The combination of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs adds an extra crunch and texture to each bite.
Flavorful Coating -The coconut and breadcrumb coating imparts a delightful tropical flavor to the chicken. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the overall taste.
Healthier Alternative - Using an air fryer allows you to achieve a crispy result with significantly less oil compared to traditional deep frying. This makes air fryer coconut chicken a healthier option for those who want to enjoy a fried chicken experience with fewer calories and less fat.
Easy Prep - Making air fryer coconut chicken is relatively quick and straightforward. In a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The air fryer also eliminates the need for constant monitoring and flipping, making it a convenient cooking method.
Versatile - Air fryer chicken tenders can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even in salads and wraps. Its versatility allows you to enjoy in different ways and pair it with various dipping sauces or sides, depending on your preferences.
Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Ingredients
Chicken breast
Panko bread crumbs
Coconut flakes or shredded coconut
All-purpose flour - you can use any flour of your choice.
Eggs
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
Chili powder or cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper
Cooking oil spray
Air fryer temperature varies depending on size, make, and model. My delicious cravings recipe time is subject to a preheated air fryer. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, deduct 2 minutes from the cooking time and increase it if needed to allow the food to cook evenly.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Coconuts Chicken Strips
Pat dry the chicken breast with a paper towel, pound, and then cut it into strips or cubes.
In a shallow bowl. whisk the eggs and set aside.
In the second bowl, combine the coconut mixture with the garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Use a third bowl to mix the coconut flakes with panko bread crumbs
Coat each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and lastly into the coconut and panko mixture.
Completely coat the entire surface of the chicken pieces for an extra crunchy texture. And gently shake off any excess coconut so they will cook evenly, and coconut flakes won't burn. Continue this process until the strips are fully coated.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
Place the coconut chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give it a light oil spray and cook for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Flip halfway through the cooking time.
Remove from the air fryer, serve, and enjoy your crispy air fryer coconut chicken strips.
How to Store and Reheat Air-Fried Coconut Chicken
Store coconut chicken in the fridge for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container or the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheat the chicken breast in the air fryer at 160C/320F for 3 minutes or until hot. If reheating from frozen, there is no need to thaw the chicken. Reheat it in an air fryer at 180C/360F for 5 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Preheat the air fryer helps ensure that the chicken starts cooking at a high temperature, resulting in a crispier exterior.
- Use the store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs if you like.
- Season the chicken generously with any desired spices or herbs. This enhances the flavor and contributes to a more satisfying eating experience.
- Coat the chicken with a crispy coating or breading. This can be a mixture of breadcrumbs, panko, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed nuts. Dip the chicken in beaten eggs or a flour mixture before coating it with the desired coating. This helps the coating adhere better to the chicken.
- You can use coconut flour or almond flour for this recipe.
- Spray the chicken with cooking oil spray when you put it in the air fryer and after turning halfway through.
- Follow the recommended cooking time and correct temperature for the specific cooking method you're using. Higher temperatures generally result in crispier chicken. However, be careful not to burn or overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, Cook in batches if necessary.
FAQs
How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook them for 8 -12 minutes at 180C/360F. Make sure you flip halfway through the cooking for even cooking.
Can I cook frozen breaded chicken breasts in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry frozen breaded chicken breasts in an air fryer. You will have to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken and the size of the air fryer. Cook at 180C/360F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and completely cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken registers at 165F/74C before serving.
Recipe
Air Fryer Coconut Chicken Strips (Crispy Tenders)
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 450 g chicken breast almost a pound
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 ½ cups coconut flakes or shredded coconut
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breast with a paper towel, pound, and cut it into strips or cubes.In a shallow bowl. whisk the eggs and set aside.In the second bowl, combine the coconut mixture with the garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.Use a third bowl to mix the coconut flakes with panko bread crumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, and lastly, into the coconut and panko mixture.Completely coat the entire surface of the chicken pieces for an extra crunchy texture. And gently shake off any excess coconut so they will cook evenly. Continue this process until the strips are fully coated.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.Place the coconut chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give it a light oil spray and cook for 12-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Flip halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove from the air fryer, serve, and enjoy your crispy air fryer coconut chicken strips.
Notes
Nutrition
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