Vegan Fried Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Craving crispy, golden, flavorful fried chicken but want a 100% plant-based version? This Vegan Fried Chicken recipe delivers juicy, “meaty” bites with a crunchy seasoned coating—all without animal products. The secret lies in the clever use of plant-based ingredients and a few simple techniques that replicate the iconic experience of fried chicken, making it a true crowd-pleaser for vegans and omnivores alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering, or just looking to treat yourself to some comfort food, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and crunch with straightforward prep.

What Makes This Vegan Fried Chicken Stand Out

Unlike many vegan alternatives that rely on complicated ingredients, this recipe uses everyday pantry staples to mimic the texture and flavor of fried chicken. The result? A satisfyingly crisp outer crust and a tender, flavorful interior. With endless seasoning options and your favorite dipping sauces, it’s an endlessly customizable classic.

Essential Steps for Incredible Vegan Fried Chicken

Start with your favorite vegan protein base—store-bought seitan, tofu, or homemade seitan for a deeply savory flavor and chewy, chicken-like bite. Thanks to marinating and a well-seasoned flour coating, these “chicken” pieces shine with each bite.

Prepping your protein is easy, especially when you use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for uniform, perfectly sized chunks. This makes sure each piece cooks evenly and achieves that classic hand-held look.

Frying or Air Frying: The Crispiest Vegan Fried Chicken

You can choose between classic pan-frying or a healthier air-fried approach. For a traditional result, a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch gives you even browning and effortless flipping. If you prefer a lighter option with less oil, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt will crisp up your vegan chicken beautifully without compromising on texture.

And for fuss-free cleanup and to prevent sticking, line your tray or pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.

Show-Stopping Serving Suggestions

Pile your vegan fried chicken high on a platter and serve with classic sides like vegan slaw and potato salad, or tuck the crispy pieces into sandwiches. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and crisp for days.

This dish is equally at home on picnic tables, potlucks, or your next movie night. Enjoy it hot, at room temperature, or even sliced cold over salads.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains roughly 350-400 calories, primarily from plant-based protein and a crispy, lightly fried coating. Enjoy as part of a balanced meal, especially when rounded out with plenty of fresh veggies and whole grains.

Vegan Fried Chicken: Crispy, Flavorful, and Completely Plant-Based

This vegan fried chicken promises all the crunch and savory goodness you crave, minus the animal products. It’s a recipe destined to become a new favorite, converting skeptics and delighting vegan comfort food fans everywhere.

Instructions

1. Prep the Vegan “Chicken”: If using tofu, press for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, then slice into 8 chunky pieces. For crisp, even pieces, try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together non-dairy milk with apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the tofu or seitan, coating well. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
3. Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Coat the Pieces: Remove “chicken” from marinade (let excess drip off). Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated. For extra crispiness, double-dip: return coated pieces to the marinade briefly, then coat again with flour mixture.
5. To Pan-Fry: Heat 2-3 tbsp of high-heat oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add coated pieces, working in batches. Fry each side 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll to drain excess oil.
6. To Air Fry: Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F. Spray both sides of the coated “chicken” with olive oil spray. Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined basket and cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Enjoy hot, alone or with your favorite sauces and sides. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to maintain freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)

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With its irresistible texture and bold Southern-inspired flavors, this Vegan Fried Chicken recipe is the ultimate answer for anyone looking to satisfy those comfort food cravings—minus the meat. Perfect for a new twist on dinner or your next meatless feast!