Ella Walter
Soy curls are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in an air fryer to create a range of vegan dishes. They are made from whole, non-GMO soybeans and can be used as a substitute for chicken or pulled pork. Soy curls are a great plant-based protein option and can be used in various meals, including salads, bowls, sandwiches, and pizzas. They can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including breaded, marinated, or with a homemade barbecue sauce. The cooking time varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, but on average, it takes around 10-20 minutes to cook soy curls in an air fryer.
How to cook soy curls in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 350-425°F |
| Cook time | 10-20 minutes |
| Shake basket | Every 5 minutes |
| Rehydration time | 5-10 minutes |
| Rehydration liquid | Water, broth, or bouillon |
| Rehydration flavor | Paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, chicken salt |
| Breadcrumbs | Fine ground cornmeal, nutritional yeast, poultry seasoning, Cajun seasoning |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to make vegan BBQ chicken with soy curls
Soy curls are a versatile, vegan meat substitute with a chewy, meaty texture. They are made from non-GMO soybeans that have been cooked, textured, and dehydrated, giving them a long shelf life and an excellent ability to absorb flavours.
To make vegan BBQ chicken with soy curls, start by rehydrating the curls using hot water or vegetable broth. This can be done by covering the soy curls with hot vegetable broth and lightly pressing them with your hand or a spoon so they all get wet. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. You can also add spices to the broth, such as paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken salt. Drain the broth and squeeze out the excess water.
Next, separate the curls into small strands, similar to what you would do with pork or beef for a traditional barbecue. You can use a fork, but hands are recommended as they are much easier.
At this point, you can either slow cook the soy curls in barbecue sauce in a crockpot for approximately 3 hours, or bake them in the oven. If you choose to bake them, preheat the oven to 375-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the soy curls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and moist inside.
Your vegan BBQ chicken with soy curls is now ready to be served! It can be enjoyed as a sandwich, wrap, pizza topping, or salad bowl.
Air-Fried Smoked Ham: Quick, Easy, Delicious!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to rehydrate soy curls
Soy curls are a unique soybean product made by Oregon-based Butler Foods. The whole, non-GMO soybeans are cooked, textured, and shaped by special equipment. The strands are then dehydrated, which gives soy curls a long shelf life and makes them excellent at absorbing flavours.
To rehydrate soy curls, start by placing the dry soy curls in a large bowl. Next, pour hot or boiling water over them. If you want to add extra flavour, you can add spices such as paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken salt, or use a broth instead of water. You can also add the rest of your marinade ingredients at this stage.
Stir the contents of the bowl, then cover it and set it aside. The soy curls will need around 5-10 minutes to rehydrate fully. You'll know they're ready when they're plump and soft. Be careful not to oversoak the soy curls, as this can affect their texture.
Once the soy curls are rehydrated, drain the excess water. Even after draining, there should still be enough moisture for the soy curls to hold on to any coating you wish to add.
Air Fryer Countertop Placement: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to bread soy curls
To make breaded soy curls, you'll first need to rehydrate the soy curls. You can do this by placing them in a bowl and covering them with vegetable broth or boiling water for about 10 minutes. If you're using water, you may want to add some extra seasoning to the water to give the soy curls more flavour. Once they've soaked, drain off the excess liquid and let them cool.
Next, you'll need to prepare your breading station. In one bowl, mix flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk this mixture until all the flour is incorporated. In a separate bowl, add your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, or, for a crispier texture, try panko breadcrumbs.
Now it's time to bread your soy curls. Take one soy curl and dip it into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, place it into the bowl with the breadcrumbs, using your fingers or a dry spoon to help coat the curl. Transfer the breaded soy curl to a baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining curls.
Finally, it's time to cook your breaded soy curls. If you're using an air fryer, set it to 400°F and air fry for about 15 minutes, or until they're gently browned. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.
Air Frying with Mason Jars: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to season soy curls
Soy curls are a versatile ingredient that can take on a variety of flavours. They are made from whole, non-GMO soybeans that are cooked, textured, and shaped, and then dehydrated. This process gives them a long shelf life and makes them excellent at soaking up flavours.
To season soy curls, start by rehydrating them in water, broth, or a marinade. You can use a flavourful broth or add spices to the water to infuse the curls with flavour. For example, you can add paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, or "chicken salt". Let the soy curls soak for 5-10 minutes, or until they are rehydrated and have a soft and plump texture. Be careful not to oversoak, as this can make the texture too soft.
After rehydrating, you can add more flavour by tossing the soy curls in your choice of sauce or coating. For a simple option, use store-bought BBQ sauce or breading. If you want to make your own sauce, whisk together ingredients like barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, soy sauce, or vinegar until well combined. For a coating, combine dry ingredients such as cornmeal, nutritional yeast, and seasonings.
Once the soy curls are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Air fry at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.
With their chewy and meaty texture, soy curls are a delicious and versatile addition to salads, bowls, sandwiches, or even pizza.
Frying Potatoes Twice in an Air Fryer: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to store leftover soy curls
Soy curls are a versatile, plant-based protein that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are typically dehydrated and need to be rehydrated before cooking.
Leftover soy curls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is recommended to store them in a sealed or airtight container.
If you have a large batch of leftover soy curls, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat them when you are ready to use them again.
Soy curls are a great way to add protein and texture to your meals, and with proper storage, they can last for several days, making them a convenient and tasty option for meal prep.
Air Fryer Wings: Crispy Salt and Pepper Style
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Soy curls are a unique, proprietary soybean product made by Oregon-based Butler Foods. Whole, non-GMO soybeans are cooked, textured, and shaped by special equipment. The strands are then dehydrated, which gives soy curls a long shelf life and makes them great at soaking up flavors!
First, rehydrate the soy curls in hot water or broth. Drain the excess water and add the marinade or breading. Place the soy curls in the air fryer and cook at 350-380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the soy curls are crispy and golden brown.
Soy curls are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can serve them warm on top of salads, grain bowls, or noodles. They can also be served as a snack, similar to jerky, or with fries, mashed potatoes, or gravy.
You can buy soy curls directly from Butler Foods or on Amazon. They are also available at some Latin markets and Whole Foods stores, but they are not available at all locations.
