If you’re craving the perfect balance of crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive chicken tenders, look no further than this Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. Combining the irresistible crunch of crushed Doritos with the light texture of panko, these tenders offer a zesty kick from cajun spices and cayenne pepper—all cooked up quickly and healthfully in the air fryer. Whether for a fun family dinner or game day snack, these chicken tenders are an absolute showstopper that will keep everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet wonderfully complementary ingredients is the first step to making these tenders shine. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding crunch, spice, or helping the coating adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken tenders: You want tender, lean chicken pieces that cook quickly and stay juicy inside.
- Doritos (1 large bag): The secret weapon here, crushed for that unmistakable cheesy, crispy crust.
- Panko crumbs (1 cup): Adds an extra layer of crispy texture without heaviness.
- Flour (1 cup): Helps the egg and coating stick better while providing a base for the spice mix.
- Cayenne pepper (1 tsp): Provides a subtle heat that warms the palate.
- Cajun spice (2 tsp): Brings a smoky, flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with Doritos.
- Eggs (4, beaten): Acts as a binder for the crunchy coating.
- Olive oil cooking spray: Helps crisp up the coating perfectly in the air fryer with less oil.
How to Make Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Crush the Doritos
Start by sealing your Doritos in a Ziploc bag and crushing them down until you reach a texture similar to panko crumbs. This step ensures the coating crisps up nicely and stays evenly distributed on the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mix
Pour the crushed Doritos and panko crumbs together into a medium-sized bowl and give them a gentle mix—this combo lends the tenders their signature crunch and a vivid golden color.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In one bowl, combine the flour with the cajun spice and cayenne pepper for a spicy flour mix. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Wash your hands—you’re about to get creative!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 380°F or using the chicken preset temp ensures a perfect cook from the start with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Step 5: Dredge the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and coat it in the seasoned flour mixture first, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. This layer helps the egg wash adhere better, setting you up for ultimate crispiness.
Step 6: Egg Wash Time
Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure every side is coated evenly. This binding step is crucial for that stay-put crust.
Step 7: Coat with Doritos-Panko Mix
Finally, dredge each chicken piece in your Doritos and panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick. This creates the delicious crunchy shell everyone will rave about.
Step 8: Arrange and Cook
Place all the breaded tenders on a baking sheet and then carefully transfer them to the preheated air fryer basket. Cook the tenders for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if needed for even crispiness.
How to Serve Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really elevate your chicken tenders. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a bright pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly contrasts the bold crust.
Side Dishes
These tenders love company! Serve alongside crisp garden salads, creamy coleslaw, or even a side of roasted sweet potato fries. The contrasts make every bite more exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these tenders into sliders with mini buns and a tangy sauce, or serve them dipping-style with a lineup of your favorite sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or classic ketchup. A colorful dipping platter turns a simple meal into a fun, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps maintain their crispness and flavor for easy snacks or lunches later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their crunch.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes. This refreshes the coating without drying out the chicken inside, unlike microwaves which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips instead of Doritos?
Definitely! While Doritos add a unique cheesy flavor, you can experiment with other bold chips like BBQ or Cool Ranch for different twists on this recipe.
Is it necessary to use panko along with crushed Doritos?
Panko adds extra crispiness and lightness to the coating. If you skip it, the coating might be denser, but the chicken will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and panko substitutes, and make sure the Doritos are gluten-free varieties to keep this recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?
Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, and blue cheese dressings all complement the spicy, cheesy coating exceptionally well.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The air fryer generally cooks them evenly, but using a meat thermometer is always the safest bet.
Final Thoughts
There truly is nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and bold flavor of this Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. Perfect for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Give it a try and share the joy of crunchy, cheesy chicken tenders with your loved ones—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
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Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy and flavorful Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders combine the spicy zest of Cajun seasoning with the crunch of crushed Doritos and panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly air fried to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior without the hassle of deep frying, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 8–12 boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 large bag of Doritos (to be crushed)
- 1 cup Panko crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp Cajun spice
Egg Wash
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Miscellaneous
- Olive oil cooking spray as needed
Instructions
- Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos in a sealed Ziploc bag and crush them until they reach a texture similar to Panko crumbs.
- Combine coating ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the crushed Doritos and panko crumbs together; set aside.
- Prepare the flour and egg bowls: In one bowl, combine the flour, Cajun spice, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or use the chicken preset if available.
- Coat the chicken tenders – step 1: Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Coat the chicken tenders – step 2: Shake off any excess flour from the chicken tender.
- Coat the chicken tenders – step 3: Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten egg wash, turning so it is fully coated.
- Coat the chicken tenders – step 4: Dredge the chicken tender in the Doritos-panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet, ready for air frying.
- Repeat for all pieces: Repeat the coating process with the remaining chicken tenders.
- Air fry the chicken tenders: Place the tenders in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount if you prefer less heat.
- Use a cooking spray lightly on the tenders before air frying for extra crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature of chicken tenders to ensure they are cooked to 165°F.
- The recipe works well with different flavors of Doritos for unique twists.
