These Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders are like no other chicken tenders you’ve ever had before they are extra crispy and delicious! Made with cheesy tortilla chips, these chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy air fried crust that will make your taste buds explode. Serve them up with dip of your choice for the perfect game day appetizer or family meal.
Don’t want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want to go to.
Jump to:
Why I Love This Recipe
These tantalizing Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crunchy snack that your taste buds will never forget!
- This simple recipe is ready in about 30 minutes.
- You only need simple ingredients that are all easy to find at the local grocery store or in your pantry.
- Kids love this simple dinner or lunch recipe plus it’s great for busy weeknights when you are in a hurry.
If you love air fryer recipes, you may also enjoy this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
chicken tenders – I used fresh chicken tenderloins from the meat department. If you prefer to use frozen, I recommend that you thaw them first.
nacho cheese chips – Any type of your favorite nacho cheese tortilla chips, you can use store-brand if you want to save a little money.
panko crumbs – For this recipe you will need the plain and unseasoned bread crumbs.
cornstarch – Cornstarch helps give the tenders a crispy exterior.
seasonings – dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
eggs – I used large eggs, with the price of eggs increase instead of eggs you can use a flour and water slurry to batter the chicken.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Spicy: If you want to add a kick to your chicken tenders, you can use spicy Doritos instead of nacho cheese ones.
Cheesy: For an extra cheesy flavor, you can mix some grated parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs.
Dip: Serve with your favorite dip like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, ketchup, or honey mustard.
How to Make Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Crush the chips
Add the chips to a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until crumbs resemble the same size as panko with some larger pieces.
Step 2: Make your dredging station
Mix panko and chip crumbs in a large dish. And, then mix the cornstarch and the spices in another dish. Lastly, whisk the eggs in another dish.
Step 3: Bread the chicken tenders
Using the following steps to bread each of the tenders. Toss the tenders in the cornstarch, then in the egg wash, and then finally in the crumbs. Fully coat the tenders in each step.
Step 4: Air fry the chicken tenders
Place the tenders on parchment paper in the air fryer basket and spray them with oil. Cook each batch at 400°f for 15 minutes, flip and spray with oil halfway. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°f.
Step 5: Cool slightly then serve
Lastly, remove tenders and let cool. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Doritos chicken tenders with your favorite side dishes, like french fries, BBQ Smashed Potatoes and Crack Green Beans.
Pro Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your air fryer Dorito chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time that you make them.
- If you want to use a flour and water slurry for your chicken tenders, you will need to use equal parts. I like to use 1/2 cup flour mixed with 1/2 of water. Mix well until the lumps are dissolved.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°f. An instant read thermometer works best for this recipe.
- It is best to cook the chicken in batches, so that each tender cooks evenly and won’t stick to each other.
- Be careful to not overcrowd your air fryer make sure that there is room for the air to move all around the chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer.
Storage
Storage – Store the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating – Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3 5o 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this Doritos chicken recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes, it is best to remove the tenderloin from the chicken before breading and cooking. The Doritos chicken tenders will cook evenly this way.
Using a sharp knife, gently slide the blade between the connective tissue and tenderloin to separate it.
You can still make these Dorito chicken tenders without an air fryer. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like air fryer recipes, give these recipes a try:
Want to make this delicious recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin it so that you can come back to it later.
Air Fryer Dorito Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- food processor
- Air Fryer
- shallow bowls
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 4.5 ounces Doritos or store brand
- 3 cups panko crumbs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ salt salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 eggs
- 1 pound chicken tenders 12-15
Instructions
- Add the chips to a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until crumbs resemble the same size as panko with some larger pieces.
- Mix panko and chip crumbs in a large dish.
- Mix the cornstarch and the spices in another dish.
- Shush the eggs in another dish.
- Using the following steps to bread each of the tenders. Toss the tenders in the cornstarch, then in the egg wash, and then finally in the crumbs. Fully coat the tenders in each step.
- Place the tenders on parchment paper in the air fryer basket and spray them with oil. Cook each batch at 400°f for 15 minutes, flip and spray with oil halfway. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°f.
- Remove tenders and let cool.
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- If you want to use a flour and water slurry for your chicken tenders, you will need to use equal parts. I like to use 1/2 cup flour mixed with 1/2 of water. Mix well until the lumps are dissolved.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°f. An instant read thermometer works best for this recipe.
- It is best to cook the chicken in batches, so that each tender cooks evenly and won’t stick to each other.
- Be careful to not overcrowd your air fryer make sure that there is room for the air to move all around the chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer.