Perfectly seasoned, fried to the utmost crispy texture makes this vegan fried chicken an absolute must make!
Before you say you don’t like the taste or texture of tofu, I tell you to hold on, head to the kitchen and try one last time. Specifically, with this vegan fried chicken recipe.
The texture, both inside and out, is absolutely impeccable. We use the freezing tofu method and then fry to the perfect crispiness! Of course, we’re also adding seasoning, to both the wet and dry batters. Seasoning each part of your recipe ensures for maximum flavor and you won’t be disappointed if you follow all the instructions.
If you want the crispiest, best tasting tofu then you’ve found it. Once you learn how to properly cook tofu, especially to get the perfect crispy vegan fried chicken, it’s a gamechanger.
You can use this to make nuggets, patties for sandwiches or tender shapes. The choice is entirely up to you depending on how you slice it.
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VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS:
Below are notes about the main ingredients before we get into the full recipe located lower in this post on how to make this vegan tofu dish:
- Tofu – The star of the show! You want to use an extra firm block of tofu for this recipe
- Seasonings – We combine a delicious seasonings -a blend of common pantry spices for a great base of flavor to our tofu
- Unsweetened Dairy Free Milk – Using milk instead of water adds more flavor into the recipe. We have tried this with both oat and almond and there’s not much of a difference honestly. Use unsweetened plain, you don’t want any sweetened milk in this already sweet recipe.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Since there are no vegan buttermilks on the market, we use acid to mix with the dairy free milk to make a vegan buttermilk. Acid helps tenderize gluten and therefore making a softer cake.
- Flour – The star of the show, we only used all-purpose flour here because we wanted this recipe to be as accessible as possible for everyone.
- Oil – you want to use a high heat oil in this recipe – like canola, peanut or soybean
SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Tofu – You could use firm tofu as well. Additionally, you could do this process with other vegan ingredients like jackfruit, seitan, or mushrooms
- Seasonings – If you don’t want to blend the seasoning we have listed together you could also use your favorite all purpose seasoning
- Unsweetened Dairy Free Milk – water could be used instead. If you swap with water, omit the vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar – lemon juice, white vinegar or even lime juice will work
- Flour – Gluten Free 1:1 blend will also work for this recipe, but we’d recommend corn flour first if swapping out regular all-purpose flour
- Oil – you can use an air fryer instead of oil if you prefer, but you want to really make sure to shake off excess flour.
Frequently Asked Questions?
We prefer extra firm for this recipe and would highly recommend using that.
This recipe will also work if it’s just firm tofu. We do not advise using silken or soft tofu for this recipe.
At this time there are no tofu substitutions for this recipe. We hope that we have another soy free version in the future, but we do not at this moment.
The easiest way to press out tofu is to use a tofu press. We use this tofu press because it’s easy to use and works great.
However, if you don’t have a tofu press then you could wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and then put something heavy on top like a cast iron skillet.
Yes! Once cooked and cooled, you can store it in an air safe container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Alternatively, you could make it, let it cool completely, and then store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
We find it best when prepping it ahead and not eating right away that you reheat in an air fryer; however, if you do not have an air fryer, then you can heat up in the oven or just a microwave (although doing it this way will not be as crunchy, it’s still good).
Because the base of this dish is tofu, it contains soy.
At this time, we do not have a recommendation to make this soy free.
For the vegan flour, you can replace with cornmeal. You should be able to replace with a gluten free measure for measure flour, but we have not tried that at this time, only the cornmeal we’ve tested.
Besides that as long as you use a safe for you dairy free milk, we prefer oat milk, then you are good to go with top allergens.
Yes! Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F. We do recommend lightly spraying with oil for the best texture. We also recommend shaking off as much excess mixture as you can. Let cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
*Do not overcrowd your air fryer with the pieces.
*Not shaking off excess can result in spots of flour being left over at the end.
*DO NOT overcook or it will get hard! Check around 12 minutes.
When it comes to how to fry tofu, you want to follow to big steps. Make sure to shake off any excess batter and make sure your heat is at the correct temperature for frying. Having it too hot or too low can completely change the outcome of your tofu at the end.
When it comes to the best taste and texture of fried tofu, you want to make sure you are using the right oil. Smoke point is what you want to look for and since frying foods is typically done between 350 and 375 degrees F, you’ll want something that has a higher smoke point than that. Flavor also plays a part in choosing the best oil.
Some great choices are avocado, safflower, peanut, soybean, corn, sunflower, or canola. Canola is likely one of the cheaper options out of those.
Vegetable can also be a great neutral oil, but sometimes the smoke point on them varies so double check that.
You’ll want to skip olive oil, coconut oil, and flaxseed oil.
Tips for how to make vegan fried chicken:
If you are wanting to know how to make the perfect vegan fried chicken, then you are in the right place, but we also wanted to give tips on how to perfect this recipe:
- Our first tip for any recipe is to please please please follow the ingredients and instructions. We have tested these recipes over and over again to make sure that they work and we really want you to have the best experience so definitely follow them.
- DO THE FREEZER METHOD! We also mention this above and in the instructions, but we promise this makes all the difference! Highly highly highly recommend you don’t skip this!
- Don’t skip out on the seasonings. We know they seem like a lot or maybe too much, but we promise it’s worth it.
- Fry with the right oil! We list suggestions above, but you want to make sure that you are using a high heat oil. Otherwise, you can have some really weird tasting fried tofu and no one wants that!
What meals can I serve with vegan fried chicken?
Once you have your crispy fried tofu made, you may be wondering how to serve it or what to serve with it.
Here’s a few of our favorite ways to add it on top of a meal:
- Vegan Sesame Garlic Noodles
- Vegan Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
- Vegan One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Here’s a few sides that pair well with it:
Pin this vegan fried chicken for later!
Vegan Fried Chicken
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Large heavy bottomed pot
Ingredients
- 2 blocks extra firm tofu
Wet Mixture
- 2 cups dairy free milk
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
Dry Mixture
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sub for cornmeal if gluten free)
- 1 ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano (sub for arrowroot powder)
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ¾ teaspoon celery salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
For Frying
- high smoke point oil for frying (omit if using air fryer)
Instructions
- Place tofu, in packages, in the freezer and freeze overnight.*This step is crucial for texture, don't skip.
- Defrost by sitting out until thawed or microwaving on defrost for 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Press tofu out for 30 mins by using a tofu press.*See post for details if you don't have a press.
- Carefully pat dry any excess moisture with a towel.
- Break the tofu at its natural breaks (you should get 5-6 pieces per block) or cut the tofu in half lengthwise and then in half again for a total of 4 pieces.
- In 2 separate shallow bowls or dishes, mix together the ingredients for the wet batter and the dry batter. Place side by side.
- Add 4 tablespoon of the wet mixture into the dry mixture and use your hands to combine. You want clumps of mixture to form so when fried this becomes extra crispy.
- Bring a deep fryer or heavy bottom oil with oil to 375˚F (can use a heavy bottom skillet or pot if needed)*See post if you'd prefer to air fryer
- Place a piece of tofu into the wet mixture and press down, flip and press again. Remove and put into the dry mixture and coat all side. For extra crispy pieces, place back into the wet, then the dry again. Shake off any excess.
- Add tofu to oil and cook 2-3 mins until golden brown.
- Place on paper towels or drying rack to let cool down. Repeat with all tofu.
J Nycole
Could I sub Pumfu for the tofu in this recipe?
Larisha Bernard
It won’t be exactly the same but you could do the breading recipe with it. We don’t recommend freezing Pumfu first.
Sophia
Can this be baked if we add bread crumbs to the dry mixture?
LarishaBernard
You could add them or not, either way you could bake.
Mark
How long and what temp for baking. Going to try this for Easter.
LarishaBernard
Hi! The printable recipe card is at the bottom of the post with all the instructions and ingredient amounts.
Mark
Thank you and this turned good
Bam
Grand Rising Familia. I appreciate the recipes. Mines turned out soft ( I didn’t press the water out enough nor had enough time), it was still good. Usually I purchased Tofu without water. Also, I had the Vegan Brownies…Bro! Sis! Very delicious, Asé Asé , Keep Rising ✊🏾🇧🇴🇬🇳 and all love.
LarishaBernard
So glad to hear you are enjoying!
Cindy
I’ve been a vegan for 18 years and knew about freezing tofu, but never tried it. AMAZING. And the fried tofu…no words except YUMMO! Thank you guys for all you do!
Larisha Bernard
So glad you enjoyed it!
Lauren
Made nuggets and they were delicious!! My son is particular about food and he kept asking for more. Substituted with chickpea flour and it turned out great. So much flavor!
LarishaBernard
Love that it was such a hit! Kids are hard to impress!