Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy and juicy chicken tenders made healthier in the air fryer with a rich coconut milk marinade and crunchy coating.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 270

For the Marinade

1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk Provides creaminess and tenderness to the chicken.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar OR lemon juice Adds acidity to balance flavors in the marinade.
2 tablespoons your favorite hot sauce For a kick of heat, adjustable to your taste preference.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders Cut into strips for even cooking.

For the Coating

1 cup superfine blanched almond flour Gluten-free coating that provides a crisp texture.
1 cup crushed pork rinds Adds extra crunch and flavor to the coating mix.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika For a subtle smoky flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder Provides depth and savory flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder Adds another layer of savoriness.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning For herby notes that complement the chicken.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder Offers a dash of heat.
1 teaspoon sea salt Enhances the overall taste.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds mild warmth.

Preparation

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Whisk together the coconut milk, vinegar, and hot sauce in a shallow bowl. Add the chicken, coating well, and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
In another bowl, mix the almond flour, pork rinds, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Coat each chicken piece in the almond flour mixture.

Cooking

For air fryer: Place chicken in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with olive oil, and cook at 400°F for 4 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 4-5 minutes.
For oven: Preheat oven to 425°F, line a pan with parchment paper, place chicken in a single layer, spray with oil, and bake for 18-22 minutes or until cooked through.

Serving

For best results, marinate overnight and avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Experiment with different hot sauces for varied heat.