Air Fryer Sesame Coconut Chicken Nuggets are rich in protein and carbohydrates, making it a perfect post-run recovery meal for runners or a healthy meal for those looking to improve their nutrition. And these chicken nuggets are simple to make, yet taste great!
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Air Fryer Sesame Coconut Chicken Nuggets with Peanut Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
A Deliciously Modern Take on Chicken Nuggets
Chicken tenders might not seem like the obvious healthy meal, but this recipe will definitely change your mind. And, it’s flavorful too, with the addition of coconut and various spices like garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper. But the best part is that you can enjoy them year-round without heating up the kitchen on hot days thanks to the use of the air fryer.
While other chicken tenders recipes sometimes use regular breadcrumbs, and you can definitely use that as a substitute, the panko breadcrumbs bring a crunch that is unparalleled. If you’re not familiar with them, get ready for a totally different experience. These Japanese-style crumbs are prepared in a very specific way that both gives them more crunch but also makes them absorb less oil, resulting in less greasy and crispier deep-fried foods. You can expect the same results with the air fryer.
Easy Chicken Nugget Upgrades
These Air Fryer Sesame Coconut Chicken Nuggets with Peanut Sauce can easily be made gluten-free by using a flour substitute and gluten-free panko, both of which are now available from major brands found in most well-stocked supermarkets.
Don’t forget to make the sauce. While it is an extra step, it is a very quick one that will only take a few minutes of your time. With spice from the garlic and sriracha, creaminess from the peanut butter, and sweetness from the honey, it is the perfect dip for the crunchy chicken nuggets, and it can be made ahead of time.
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Ingredients
For the tenders:
1 lb. (450g) chicken tenders, patted dry
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup desiccated coconut, unsweetened
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
For the sauce:
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Juice of 1 lemon
⅓ cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoon sriracha
Instructions
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides. They are now ready to be breaded.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure all bowls are big enough to fit a chicken nugget fully.
- Whisk the eggs in another medium bowl, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, desiccated coconut, and sesame seeds in a third medium bowl.
- Dip the tenders, one at a time, in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off into the bowl. Next, coat the nuggets in the panko mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Working in batches, arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 7–9 minutes, until lightly browned, then turn and cook for another 7–9 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In the meantime, mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Add up to ¼ cup water until desired the consistency is reached, and serve with the chicken tenders.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 556 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 39 grams
- About the Author
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![Steve Carmichael](https://runbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/steve-runbuzz.jpg)
Steve Carmichael is a running coach, sports performance coach, nutrition coach and has been a recreational runner for over 18 years. Steve holds multiple certifications as a certified running coach through the RRCA and USA Track and Field as well as he is a NASM certified personal trainer, and PN1-L1 certified nutrition coach.
Steve has been coaching since 2010 and has helped thousands of runners online and in the Central Ohio area maximize performance and run injury-free.
Steve is the founder of RunBuzz and Run For Performance.com. If you are interested in working with Steve though his online running and strength coaching services, feel free to reach out.