1. Preparing the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Set Up Dredging Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, place the crushed Doritos.
2. Crushing the Doritos
- Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos in a large resealable plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or your hands, crush the Doritos into fine crumbs. Transfer the crushed Doritos to the third bowl.
3. Coating the Chicken Tenders
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well coated.
- Coat with Doritos: Roll the egg-coated chicken tenders in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cooking the Chicken Tenders
- Place in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Tips for Success
- Even Coating: Make sure each chicken tender is evenly coated in flour, egg, and Doritos for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy.
- Flavors: Experiment with different Dorito flavors for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a side of air fryer fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Dorito Chicken Tenders in the air fryer are a fun and easy way to jazz up your chicken tender game. The crispy, cheesy coating adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the crunch and the flavor of Doritos in every bite!