Vegan Chicken, Air-Fried: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

If you're looking for a delicious, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, then vegan chicken cooked in an air fryer is the way to go! This cooking method uses little to no oil, resulting in a lighter and crunchier dish that's easier to clean up. You can use various ingredients to make vegan chicken, such as tofu, oyster mushrooms, or seitan, and coat them with a seasoned flour mixture before air frying. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture without the need for deep frying in oil. So, whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthier option, air-fried vegan chicken is a tasty choice.

Choosing your vegan chicken substitute

There are several options for vegan chicken substitutes, each with its own unique texture and flavour. The best option for you will depend on the specific recipe you are following, the ingredients you have available, and your personal preferences. Here are some popular choices:

Tofu

Tofu is a versatile and popular option for vegan chicken. It has a firm texture that can be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, similar to fried chicken. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, fibre, and calcium. It is also easy to find in most grocery stores. Before using tofu, it is recommended to press it for 20 minutes to remove excess water, which can enhance the flavour.

Seitan

Seitan is a vegan chicken substitute made from vital wheat gluten, a flour-like substance that becomes stretchy when mixed with liquid. It is a good option for achieving a chewy, meat-like texture. Seitan can be coated in a flour mixture and air-fried to create a crispy texture.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a surprisingly effective vegan chicken substitute, offering a soft and chewy texture that mimics boneless fried chicken. They are a good option for achieving a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. When using oyster mushrooms, be sure to cut them into medium-sized pieces to prevent the insides from becoming too crispy.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a well-known vegan substitute for chicken wings. While it may not be as close in texture to chicken as other substitutes, it can still be a delicious option, especially when buffalo cauliflower wings are prepared and air-fried to a golden crisp.

Store-bought Vegan Chicken

Nowadays, you can find many amazing vegan chicken tenders and nuggets at most grocery stores. These can be a convenient option if you don't want to make your own substitute from scratch. However, they may contain ingredients like processed soy, methylcellulose, and processed oils.

Making the batter

To make the batter, start by preparing your dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and spices. Mix them together until they are well incorporated. You can adjust the spice measurements to your preference; if you like a spicier kick, add a little more cayenne or chili powder.

In a separate bowl, prepare your wet batter by combining the liquid element with the apple cider vinegar. If you are using vegan buttermilk, you can also add a little flour to this mixture to make it thicker and ensure it sticks to your vegan chicken better. Whisk the wet ingredients together until smooth.

Now you should have two separate bowls: one with the dry flour and spice mixture and another with the wet batter. If you are using tofu, oyster mushrooms, or a store-bought vegan chicken alternative, you can now cut them into nugget-sized pieces. You can make them as big or small as you like, but remember that smaller pieces may cook faster and become crispier.

Take each piece of your vegan chicken alternative and dip it into the wet batter first. Ensure it is well coated, and then shake off any excess. Next, transfer the piece to the dry ingredients bowl and toss it to thoroughly coat it with the flour and spice mixture. Repeat this process for each piece, placing the coated pieces on a plate or rack.

Once all your pieces are coated, you are ready to place them in the air fryer! But first, spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Then, give the top of each piece a good coating of cooking spray as well.

Now you are ready to air fry your vegan chicken! Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time, following the instructions from your specific recipe. Don't forget to flip your pieces halfway through and spray the other side with cooking spray for even cooking and crispness. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and vegan air-fried "chicken"!

Coating the chicken

Coating the vegan chicken is a crucial step in achieving that desirable crispy texture and golden-brown crust. Here is a detailed guide on how to coat your vegan chicken for air frying:

Preparing the Breading Station:

Before you begin coating the chicken, it's essential to set up a breading station. This station will consist of three separate bowls or containers:

• The first bowl will contain the dry ingredients for coating, such as flour, seasonings, and spices. You can season the flour according to your preference, but common additions include garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well.
• The second bowl will hold the wet batter. You can use a vegan buttermilk mixture made by combining unsweetened plant milk with apple cider vinegar, a bit of flour, and optional hot sauce. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and thick consistency.
• The third bowl will contain the final coating, which is typically panko breadcrumbs. You can also use regular breadcrumbs, but panko provides a crispier texture. If desired, you can season the breadcrumbs with additional spices.

Dredging and Coating:

Now that your breading station is set up, it's time to coat your vegan chicken:

• Take each piece of vegan chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture. Ensure that it is evenly coated.
• Next, dip the floured vegan chicken into the wet batter. Make sure it is well-coated, allowing any excess batter to drip off.
• Finally, transfer the battered vegan chicken to the bowl of panko breadcrumbs. Coat it thoroughly, ensuring that the breadcrumbs adhere to all surfaces.
• For an even thicker and crispier coating, you can double dredge the vegan chicken by repeating the process a second time.

Cooking Instructions:

Once your vegan chicken is coated, it's almost ready for the air fryer:

• Place the coated vegan chicken in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
• Lightly spray the vegan chicken with cooking spray or oil. This step helps to achieve that golden-brown colour and crispy texture.
• Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, typically around 375°F to 400°F for 12 to 24 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of your vegan chicken pieces.
• Midway through the cooking process, flip the vegan chicken pieces and spray the other side with cooking spray or oil. This ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
• Continue cooking until the vegan chicken is golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning.

Remember, the coating process is a creative step where you can adjust seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect vegan chicken coating!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making vegan chicken in an air fryer will depend on the specific recipe you are using. Here are some general guidelines and tips:

Most recipes agree that the ideal temperature for cooking vegan chicken in an air fryer is around 375-400°F. At this temperature, you can expect to cook your vegan chicken for around 12-24 minutes, depending on the specific recipe and the size of your chicken pieces.

For example, one recipe for vegan chicken nuggets recommends cooking at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping the nuggets halfway through. They also suggest adding an extra 5 minutes if needed, to achieve the desired crispiness.

Another recipe for oyster mushroom-based vegan chicken suggests a higher temperature of 400°F for a total of 24 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.

A third recipe, for seitan-based vegan chicken, cooks at 375°F for 15 minutes, again flipping the pieces halfway.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your vegan chicken pieces. Smaller, thinner pieces will cook faster, while larger or thicker pieces may require additional time. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your food while it is cooking in the air fryer, to prevent overcooking or burning.

Additionally, some recipes suggest spraying the vegan chicken with cooking spray or oil before and during the air frying process. This helps to achieve a crispy texture and prevent sticking.

Finally, it is worth noting that some recipes provide alternative cooking methods, such as baking in an oven. For example, one recipe suggests baking vegan chicken at 425°F for 20-24 minutes as an alternative to using an air fryer.

Dipping sauces

Vegan chicken can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas, including some specifically designed for vegan chicken:

Vegan Chick-Fil-A Sauce

A sweet, creamy, and savoury sauce that is perfect for smothering on a vegan chicken sandwich or veggie burger, or as a dipping sauce for fries and nuggets. It is made with vegan mayonnaise, dijon mustard, yellow mustard, barbecue sauce, agave nectar, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.

Sweet Mustard Sauce

A sweet vegan mustard sauce made with mock honey is perfect for dipping fried tofu, vegan popcorn chicken, and vegan chicken nuggets.

BBQ Sauce

A homemade vegan BBQ sauce is a great option for those who want to avoid the extra sugar and sodium found in store-bought sauces. It is perfect for BBQ tempeh, vegan pulled pork sandwiches, and dipping vegan meatballs.

Buffalo Sauce

A simple vegan buffalo sauce can be whipped up in about a minute and is perfect for putting over buffalo cauliflower wings, vegan buffalo chicken, or vegan chicken wings. It can also be used as a dip.

Garlic Cilantro Sauce

A spicy garlic cilantro sauce with lime and jalapenos is a great dipping sauce, especially for Mexican-style meals like tempeh tacos, loaded nachos, and breakfast burritos.

Vegan Tartar Sauce

Vegan tartar sauce is easy to make at home and is the perfect dipping sauce for vegan fish, fried oyster mushrooms, vegan scallops, and vegan shrimp.

Garlic Aioli

A quick and easy garlic aioli is a delicious dairy-free sandwich spread or dipping sauce for French fries, vegan nuggets, or veggies.

Honey Garlic Sauce

Vegan honey garlic sauce is buttery, sweet, and savoury with a hint of spice. It’s perfect for dipping vegan chicken nuggets, fried tofu, pizza rolls, vegan chicken wings, or breadsticks. It can also be used as a sandwich spread on vegan chicken sandwiches and seitan burgers.

Spicy Mayo

A spicy homemade vegan mayo is a great dipping sauce for zucchini fries, tofu fries, or seitan nuggets. It can also be spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Peanut Butter Caramel

A sweet and sticky peanut butter dip is perfect for dipping fruit or for use in place of caramel in recipes.

Sweet Thai Chilli Sauce

A vegan sweet chilli sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for spring rolls, summer rolls, tofu fries, and vegan chicken wings. It’s sweet, spicy, and bursting with flavour.

Orange Sauce

An Asian-style orange sauce can be whipped up in minutes and is a great dipping sauce for tofu or used to make orange "chicken" or orange tofu.

Spicy Peanut Sauce

A spicy peanut sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, drizzled over lettuce wraps, or used to make peanut noodles.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

An easy homemade sweet and sour sauce is vegan and gluten-free and can be made in about 5 minutes. It is perfect for dipping spring rolls or used to make sweet and sour tofu.

Frequently asked questions