Strips of tofu are marinated, battered, dredged in flour and then air fried to make vegan chick’n tenders. Paired with a vegan buffalo mayo making the perfect dip!
the inspiration
I don’t know why but I keep seeing TikToks all about chicken tenders and Raising Cane’s so it just started to make crave vegan chicken tenders! I had first thought about baking these but then I decided to go with my favorite appliance the air fryer. Air-fryer tofu comes out crispy and is so delicious.
Also, I originally wanted to make a dipping sauce similar to the one from Raising Cane’s but I’ve never had it before and don’t really know what the flavor profile is. So, I decided to just make a much simpler 2 ingredient dipping sauce. However, one day I will try and do the Raising Cane’s sauce because it does sound very delicious.
the ingredients
- Super Firm Tofu: the base and protein for our vegan chick’n tenders. I prefer super firm tofu for this as it is the most firm tofu and does not require pressing. However, if you use an extra firm tofu be sure to drain and press the tofu prior to using.
- Pickle Juice: the pickle juice or brine has a lot of flavor! It is typically used in many chicken tender recipes so it works great here. It is salty so it adds flavor and the vinegar helps to tenderize.
- Cornstarch: the cornstarch will be used in the recipe to help enhance the texture of the breading.
- All Purpose Flour: the all purpose flour is also used in the breading and is typically the main ingredient in a breaded tender. If you are gluten free, you can use gluten free all purpose flour.
- Seasonings: for the air fried vegan chick’n tenders you will need a few seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and poultry seasoning. Poultry seasoning is just a seasoning made up of things like rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and more. There is no meat in it of course.
- Non-Dairy Milk: we will use unsweetened and unflavored non-dairy milk in the marinade. Any non-dairy milk is fine however, I always say to be careful if using coconut milk as it can affect flavor.
cutting the tofu
After you finish slicing the tofu I like to do something special to enhance the tender shape. I like to take my knife and cut around the edges of the tofu so it isn’t a perfect rectangle. This makes it into more of a tender shape than rather a slab of tofu.
This is totally optional and if you would rather just leave them as a rectangle that is totally fine. I like to take those little pieces I cut off and marinate them too! However, you could also keep them on the side and toss them in some soy sauce or tamari and use it in a stir fry.
the marinade
After we cut our tofu it will be time to marinate the tofu. To make the marinade just use a large storage container or medium bowl. Add in all the ingredients and mix it together and that is it! So easy.
If you have a large enough container to place the tofu in a single layer that is great. However, if you can’t do that (I couldn’t) then you can just layer the tofu up in the storage container.
You want to marinate the tofu for at least 20 minutes but you can marinate it overnight as well. If you marinate it overnight be sure to store in the fridge. However, if you are just doing a 20-30 minute marinade you can leave it out on the counter.
breading tofu tips
When it finally comes time to bread the tofu I have a few tips for you!
- Wet hand and dry hand. This is so important when breading tofu and will prevent you from having to wash your hands and use a million paper towels! Keep one hand for dipping the tofu into the wet ingredients and one hand for dipping the tofu in the dry ingredients. I personally like to make my dominant hand for the dry ingredients.
- Let the marinade drip into the flour mixture. You want there to be those crumby bits in the flour dredge so it creates crispiness. We achieve this by actually allowing a few bits of that marinade to get in there everytime we dredge the tofu.
- Play around with the seasonings. While I do think these are very delicious as is, I of course always encourage you to make recipes your own. For example, you can add in smoke paprika or cayenne pepper.
air-frying vs baking
How is air-frying different than baking? So, in all honesty air frying is actually not all that different than baking. The idea behind both things are pretty much the same.
BUT air fryers are smaller which makes them get hotter quicker, no preheating involved, and they can get things crispier making them more as if they were deep fried. Air fryers also have an air fryer basket so the food will just go right in there.
While I find that the oven can get things crispy I have definitely found the air fryer makes it way crispier. Air frying is also a great way to get the fried-effect without going through the hassle of deep frying.
why you’ll love these air fried vegan chick’n tenders
These vegan chick’n tenders are perfect for a snack and dipping in your favorite condiment or you can use them in wraps, salads, bowls anything you like. I enjoyed these on their own and then the next day I chopped it up and put it on a salad. Even my non-vegan sister said they were good and she liked them.
more tofu recipes
air fried vegan chick’n tenders faq
- Can this be made gluten free? You can try to use a gluten-free all purpose flour or something that works as a 1:1 substitute. I haven’t tried it so if you do please leave a comment and let us all know how it went!
- Can this be made soy free? You can use homemade seitan instead of tofu. You can find a recipe for these vegan chick’n nuggets and prepare them up to step 11, then follow this recipe. You can also use a soy free tofu!
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes, as long as you use a nut-free non-dairy milk.
- Can I bake these? I haven’t tried and I am not sure if it will work. If you do please leave a comment to let us know how it all went.
- Can I deep fry these? Yes, you can.
- Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze either prior to baking or after they are prepared. Whichever you prefer.
- How long will these last in the fridge? You can store in them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can either reheat in the microwave, air-fryer, or oven.
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Air Fried Vegan Chick’n Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 block (16 ounces) super firm tofu
Marinade
- 1 cup nondairy milk unsweetened and unflavored
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Breading
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Spray oil
Buffalo Mayo
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
Instructions
- Remove the tofu from the packaging. Press the tofu for 1-2 mins to remove any excess water. You can use a tofu press or place a large skillet with cans on top.
- Cut the tofu into 4- ¼ inch rectangles, so you have 4 rectangles are the original size of the tofu block just thinner. Then cut each in half, so you have 8 rectangles.
- Optional step: to make these more tender shaped you can cut off the corners of each rectangle making it more pointed on top. You can save the scraps for a stir fry, tofu ricotta or anywhere else.
- In a large bowl add the marinade ingredients. Mix together. Then add the tofu. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- When ready to bread combine the breading ingredients on a large flat plate or large flat bottomed bowl. Mix together with a fork.
- Take a piece of tofu out of the marinade and coat it in the flour. Then dip it back in the marinade, and then back for a final coating in the breading. Set aside on a plate and repeat until all tenders are coated.
- Spray the tenders generously with an oil spray.
- Place in the air fryer and leave enough space, do not let them touch. Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If after, air frying the tenders look dry you can just spray with a bit more oil.
- Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo mayo by mixing both ingredients in a small bowl.
- Top the tenders with some sea salt and black pepper and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements put into Cronometer. Yours may vary, they are to help you get an idea.
- Please do not repost recipes without my permission. Sharing a direct link is always highly encouraged and appreciated.
- If you plan on marinating for more than 20 minutes be sure to place in the fridge.
- If after air frying the tenders appear a bit dry and there are some white spots just spray with a bit more spray oil. It is fully cooked but may have just been a spot you missed when initially spraying.
- If you use extra-firm tofu for this (which I don’t recommend because some are more firm than others and may break) make sure to press.
- These can be frozen after being made and then reheated in the air fryer or oven.
Nutrition
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Can use oven instead? No air fryer.
from the FAQ “Can I bake these? I haven’t tried and I am not sure if it will work. If you do please leave a comment to let us know how it all went.”
This looks yummy! What could I replace the pickle juice with? Maybe the water in the jar of olives? I can’t eat vinegars. Thanks!
hi Deborah! yeah sure you could do a bit of that!!! i would maybe only do 2 teaspoons since it is a much saltier brine!