Vegan Fried Chicken

When I first tried Vegan Fried Chicken, I was skeptical. Could something without meat really satisfy my cravings for crunch and flavor? I remember the joy of biting into a crispy piece of fried chicken, and I longed to recreate that experience without the animal products. This dish came to my rescue! With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, I transformed a humble head of cauliflower into a crispy sensation. Now, it’s become a staple in my kitchen and a favorite among my friends who can’t believe it’s vegan. Whether it’s game night or a cozy family dinner, Vegan Fried Chicken has earned its place on our table.

Ingredients Overview for Vegan Fried Chicken

The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are simple yet powerful. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect crunch and flavor. The star of the show is, of course, the cauliflower, which acts as a wonderful canvas for all those delicious spices and textures. The combination of dry ingredients adds depth and enhances the overall experience, making every bite a delight.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the coating, providing structure and crunch.
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder: A key player in achieving that crispy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a nice kick of heat.
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper: Offers a subtle spice without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings a savory depth to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for that beloved savory touch.
• ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika: Adds warmth and color to the coating.
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A unique blend that gives a hint of coastal flavor.
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast: Brings a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy.
• ⅓ cup hot sauce: Infuses the dish with zesty heat and moisture.
• ¼ cup unsweetened and plain non-dairy milk: Helps create the wet batter that coats the cauliflower.
• 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• 5 cups vegetable oil: Needed for frying, giving that desirable crispy finish.
• 1 large head of cauliflower: The main ingredient that takes center stage in this dish.

Recipe Steps for Vegan Fried Chicken

Getting the steps right is crucial for achieving that perfect Vegan Fried Chicken. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow instructions. It’s all about the process, so be patient and enjoy the journey!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, arrowroot powder, salt, cayenne pepper, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and nutritional yeast until well combined. This blend sets the stage for that crunchy coating.
2. In another bowl, combine the hot sauce, non-dairy milk, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture. This will serve as the wet batter that helps the dry ingredients stick.
3. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or fryer over medium heat. You want it to reach around 350°F for the best frying results. Use a thermometer to check the temperature—a key step to perfect frying!
4. While the oil heats up, prepare your cauliflower. Cut it into large florets if you haven’t already. Using one hand, dip a floret into the wet mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Using your dry hand, transfer it to the flour mixture, turning it to coat completely. This two-hand method helps keep things neat.
5. Repeat the dredging process for all the florets, placing the coated pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This allows them to rest while the oil heats.
6. Once the oil is ready, carefully add the florets. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Fry the cauliflower for about 4 to 5 minutes, gently turning them with a slotted spoon or spider until they become golden and crispy.
7. After frying each batch, transfer the fried florets to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
8. Let the oil return to 350°F before frying the next batch. Repeat the frying process until all the cauliflower has been cooked. Each piece should be golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve your Vegan Fried Chicken hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch and all those amazing flavors!

Helpful Hints

Here are some extra tips to make your Vegan Fried Chicken even more enjoyable.

• Storage: Leftover vegan chicken tenders should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers, though they may lose some crunch during the freezing and thawing process. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat your vegan chicken in an air fryer preheated to 375°F for about 3 to 6 minutes or in an oven preheated to 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through.
• Experiment with Sauces: Serve your Vegan Fried Chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like vegan ranch, barbecue, or hot sauce for added flavor.
• Keep it Neat: Use one hand for the wet mixture and the other for the dry to keep things tidy while dredging.

Serving Options for Vegan Fried Chicken

When it comes to serving Vegan Fried Chicken, the options are endless! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Pair with Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the fried cauliflower.
• Sandwich It: Create a delicious vegan fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite vegan mayo.
• Serve with Dips: Offer a selection of dips, such as vegan ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for a flavorful twist.
• Include in Salads: Chop up the crispy cauliflower and toss it into a salad for a fun texture contrast.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a hit at parties or potlucks. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, and watch it disappear!
• Seasonal Sides: Pair with seasonal sides like corn on the cob or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love this recipe too! Serve it with their favorite sides for a meal everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The magic of Vegan Fried Chicken lies in its ability to provide all the flavors and crunch you love, without any meat. This recipe is not just for vegans; anyone can enjoy it! I encourage you to try making this dish for your next meal. You won’t be disappointed. Gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful journey of cooking and sharing this recipe with family and friends.

Vegan Fried Chicken

The ultimate comfort food is now plant-based! Vegan Fried Chicken offers a crispy, flavorful twist on tradition. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• ⅓ cup hot sauce Crystals, Louisiana, or your favorite brand
• ¼ cup unsweetened and plain non-dairy milk soy, oat, almond, or other
• 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
• 5 cups vegetable oil vegetable, safflower, or canola
• 1 large head cauliflower cut into large florets

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Food Processor
• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, arrowroot powder, salt, cayenne pepper, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and nutritional yeast until well combined. This blend sets the stage for that crunchy coating.
2. In another bowl, combine the hot sauce, non-dairy milk, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture. This will serve as the wet batter that helps the dry ingredients stick.
3. Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or fryer over medium heat. You want it to reach around 350°F for the best frying results. Use a thermometer to check the temperature—a key step to perfect frying!
4. While the oil heats up, prepare your cauliflower. Cut it into large florets if you haven't already. Using one hand, dip a floret into the wet mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Using your dry hand, transfer it to the flour mixture, turning it to coat completely. This two-hand method helps keep things neat.
5. Repeat the dredging process for all the florets, placing the coated pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This allows them to rest while the oil heats.
6. Once the oil is ready, carefully add the florets. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Fry the cauliflower for about 4 to 5 minutes, gently turning them with a slotted spoon or spider until they become golden and crispy.
7. After frying each batch, transfer the fried florets to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
8. Let the oil return to 350°F before frying the next batch. Repeat the frying process until all the cauliflower has been cooked. Each piece should be golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve your Vegan Fried Chicken hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crunch and all those amazing flavors!

Notes

Leftover vegan chicken tenders should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

You can freeze leftovers, though they may lose some crunch during the freezing and thawing process. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

For the best results, reheat your vegan chicken in an air fryer preheated to 375°F for about 3 to 6 minutes or in an oven preheated to 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through.

Use one hand for the wet mixture and the other for the dry to keep things tidy while dredging.

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Meet Violet Lane

The Creative Spark I see the kitchen as my art studio. I love experimenting with colors and textures, and I’m usually the one asking, “What if we added this?” I encourage the team to take risks and try new flavor combinations. I love the energy of cooking with six other people it’s chaotic, colorful, and inspiring. I’m hands-on with the cooking and styling, always trying to make our plates look as artistic as they taste.