Vegan Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders
Satisfy your cravings for crispy fried chicken with a plant-based twist in this irresistible recipe for Vegan Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders. Made with protein-packed extra-firm tofu as the perfect substitute, these tenders boast a golden, crackling crust achieved through a delicate balance of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and flavorful spices like paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Dunked in homemade vegan buttermilk for a tangy undertone and fried to perfection in hot vegetable oil, they deliver a satisfying crunch that rivals traditional chicken tenders. Ready in just 35 minutes, these tenders are ideal for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, game-day snack, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for a complete meal. Completely vegan and irresistibly crispy, this recipe proves indulgence can easily align with plant-based living!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture by placing it between paper towels and resting a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar to create a vegan buttermilk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Cut the pressed tofu into strips resembling chicken tenders.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Dip each tofu strip into the vegan buttermilk, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Carefully place the coated tofu strips in the hot oil. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried tofu tenders from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce or accompanied by sides like fries or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5065 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 459.5 g | 589% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.7 g | 328% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 268.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2170 mg | 94% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 182.5 g | 66% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.9 g | ||
| Protein | 88.8 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 1966 mg | 151% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1032 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
