Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders will have you drooling. I made a spin on this viral TikTok chicken tender recipe. You’ll never want plain chicken tenders again! They pack the perfect amount of heat and crunch!
Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
My air fryer has been a lifesaver for me. It makes quick and easy recipes when you’re in a pinch. I never thought I would find myself in the kitchen, honestly. If I can make all these recipes, so can you!
These chicken tenders are great for those who love a little heat! These hot chicken tenders are amazing dipped into my Homemade Ranch Seasoning, which also helps neutralize a little heat.
If you like chicken tenders, check out these other easy chicken tender recipes: Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders, Chicken Tenders With Flour, and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders.
❤️ Why you’ll love this easy air fryer recipe
- Budget-Friendly – A bag of Hot Cheetos costs $2, and you can buy a family pack of chicken tenders at Aldi’s to save money.
- Easy Recipe – With just a few steps, this recipe is super easy to make.
- Delicious – This recipe is super fun and delicious.
Ingredients
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- Chicken Tenders
- Egg
- Flour
- Black Pepper
✳️ Tips & Tricks
- To ensure that the chicken stays moist, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once they reach 165F, remove them from the air fryer. Don’t overcook.
- I blended my Hot Cheetos with flour, but you don’t have to. You can just crunch them up if you prefer.
- When blending the Hot Cheetos, you may need to blend twice to break up the clumps and achieve a breadcrumb texture.
Tools to make these Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
- Cosori Air Fryer – this is my favorite air fryer. The large air fryer basket makes it so easy to cook your favorite recipes
- Tongs – tongs are easiest to remove and flip the chicken
- Meat thermometer – You always want to make sure the internal temperature of ANY chicken is 165°F.
- Ninja Food Blender – This is my favorite blender. I use it all the time.
How to make Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
- Remove the Hot Cheetos from the bag and place them into the blender. Blend for 10-15 seconds. Using a spoon, mix the crumbs around and blend again for another 10-15 seconds.
- Remove half the crumbs and place them in the flour and black pepper. Add the crumbs back into the blender and blend together for 10-15 seconds. If needed, mix together and blend for another 10-15 seconds.
- Crack an egg and add it to a bowl. In another bowl, add the flour and Hot Cheeto mixtures.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crumb mixture, then in the egg, and then back in the crumb mixture.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket and cook at 390F for 14 minutes. Flipping halfway through.
- Once the timer goes off, make sure the internal temperature is 165F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.
Oven Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Remove the Hot Cheetos from the bag and place them into the blender. Blend for 10-15 seconds. Using a spoon, mix the crumbs around and blend again for another 10-15 seconds.
- Remove half the crumbs and place them in the flour and black pepper. Add the crumbs back into the blender and blend together for 10-15 seconds. If needed, mix together and blend for another 10-15 seconds.
- Crack an egg and add it to a bowl. In another bowl, add the flour and Hot Cheeto mixtures.
- Place the chicken tenders in the crumb mixture, then in the egg, and then back in the crumb mixture.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes. Making sure the internal temperature is 165F.
- Remove from the oven and serve.
Substitutions
If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can slice a large chicken breast into strips to mimic chicken tenders as I did in this air fryer chicken breast strips recipe. You can also use chicken cutlets as well.
If you aren’t a fan of spicy foods, you can use regular Cheetos instead. You’ll get the same great flavor, but without the heat!
What to serve with Flaming Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are great by themselves or pair them perfectly with French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots.
How to store
- Store the leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 5 days.
♨️ How to reheat
Remove the lid from the container and microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes or until the chicken is warm. Alternatively, you can transfer to a microwave-safe plate to warm up.
If you want to warm these up in your air fryer, cook them for 2-3 minutes at 400F.
❓FAQs
Can you put hot Cheetos in the air fryer?
Yes, you can put Cheetos in the air fryer.
How long do I put chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Cook the chicken tenders at 390F for 14-16 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165F.
Other Fun Chicken Ideas
This Doritos Chicken Casserole is super delicious and easy to make. Who doesn’t love to add chips to their dinner-time recipes?
More Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipes
If you loved these Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders, check out these other chicken tender recipes.
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Katsu Chicken Tenders
- Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenders With Flour
- Keto Chicken Tenders
- Blackened Chicken Tenders
- Ranch Chicken Tenders
- Teriyaki Chicken Tenders
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken tenders
- 4.5 oz Flaming Hot Cheetos
- 1 cup flour
- 1 Egg
- ¼ Tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Remove the Hot Cheetos from the bag and place them into the blender. Blend for 10-15 seconds. Using a spoon mix the crumbs around and blend again for another 10-15 seconds.
- Remove half the crumbs and place in the flour and black pepper. Add the crumbs back into the blender and blend together for 10-15 seconds. If needed mix together and blend for another 10-15 seconds.
- Crack an egg and add it to a bowl. In another bowl add the flour and Hot Cheeto mixtures.
- Place the chicken tenders into the crumb mixtures then into the egg and then back into the crumb mixture.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket and cook at 390F for 14 minutes. Flipping halfway through.
- Once the timer goes off make sure the internal temperature is 165F. Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve.
Nutrition
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