Homemade Vegan Nacho Cheese Doritos
Vegan Dorito dupe recipe, nacho cheese style. Cheesy, tangy, salty tortilla chips tossed in a homemade Cheesy Dust spice blend with citric acid for that signature Dorito snap. Fried, baked, or air-fried.
Notes
These are deep fry instructions but I know that not everyone wants to deep fry at home. Try oven baking, or use the store-bought tortilla shortcut.
Oven method: Toss cut tortillas with 2 tablespoons oil, spread in a single layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with Cheesy Dust immediately.
Air fryer method: Spritz cut tortillas with oil, air fry at 360°F for about 6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, then toss with Cheesy Dust immediately.
Store-bought shortcut: Warm a 12 to 13 oz bag of cantina-style unsalted tortilla chips on a sheet pan at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Toss with Cheesy Dust while hot.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Dust (makes about 1 1/4 cup):
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne optional, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup nutritional yeast nooch
- 1 teaspoon citric acid
For the chips:
- 8 to 10 corn tortillas
- Neutral oil about 2 cups for frying, or 2 tablespoons for baking
- About 1/4 cup Cheesy Dust per batch
Instructions
Make the Cheesy Dust:
- Pulse all ingredients in a blender into a powder. Taste and adjust salt or cayenne. Store leftover in a jar or airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cut the tortillas:
- Stack the corn tortillas and cut into triangles, 6 to 8 wedges per tortilla.
Fry the chips (the Modern Love way):
- Heat about 1 inch of neutral oil in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the triangles in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once with tongs or a spider skimmer, until crisp and just golden. Drain briefly on paper towels.
Toss immediately:
- While the chips are still hot and glistening, transfer to the biggest bowl you have. Working in batches, sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of Cheesy Dust and toss until every chip is coated. Replenish Cheesy Dust as needed.
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