We would never turn down a chicken tender with a crisp panko coating, and this recipe goes a couple steps further, incorporating sesame seeds and shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. The best part? Making them in an air fryer means you don't have to worry about a scary pot of bubbling oil, and clean up is a breeze. (Which is to say, get ready to have a whole lot more chicken tender action in your life.) You could certainly serve these with whatever dipping sauce you like, but trust us: That creamy-tangy peanut sauce makes the whole thing over-the-top delicious.
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What you’ll need
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COSORI Air Fryer Max
$120 At Amazon
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
$26 At Amazon
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Whisk
$10 At Amazon
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Tongs
$21 At Amazon
Ingredients
4 Servings
Special equipment
Step 1
Heat air fryer to 400°. Spread out chicken tenders on a large plate and pat dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with salt. Chill, uncovered, until ready to use.
Step 2
Whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt in a medium bowl to combine. Whisk eggs in another medium bowl.
Step 3
Combine panko, shredded coconut, black sesame seeds, and white sesame seeds in a third medium bowl. Spray with nonstick spray, then mix with a spoon. Repeat 3 times, until panko mixture is thoroughly coated in oil.
Step 4
Working one at a time, dip tenders in flour mixture, turning to coat all over. Shake off any excess. Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip back into bowl. Dredge in panko mixture, turning to coat and pressing lightly to adhere. Transfer tenders to a large plate or a small rimmed baking sheet.
Step 5
Working in 2 batches, arrange tenders in a single layer in air fryer. Cook until lightly browned underneath, 7–9 minutes. Turn tenders over and cook until cooked through, another 7–9 minutes.
Step 6
Meanwhile, whisk garlic, lemon juice, peanut butter, maple syrup, Sriracha, and ¼ cup water in a medium bowl until smooth, about 30 seconds. Season with salt.
Step 7
Transfer tenders to a platter. Serve with peanut sauce alongside.
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