Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the most addictive chicken recipe that combines the irresistible crunch of Doritos with perfectly cooked, juicy chicken tenders! Imagine biting into a crispy, flavor-packed chicken tender that's not only healthier because it's air-fried, but also delivers a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick meal or a snack enthusiast craving something extraordinary, these Doritos Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup crushed Doritos
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the first coating layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined and smooth.
- Place crushed Doritos in a third shallow bowl, ensuring the chips are broken into fine, even crumbs for optimal coating.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated tender in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the chips adhere completely to the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking and crispy results.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture and allow the coating to set.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Tips
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry to ensure the coating sticks perfectly
- Break Doritos into fine, uniform crumbs for the most even and crispy coating
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches for maximum crispiness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety
- Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in moisture
- Experiment with different Doritos flavors like Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch for variety
- For extra crunch, you can double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and Doritos dip
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 306kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 153mg
