Air Fried Vegan Chick'n Tenders
Pieces of tofu are cut into a tender shape and then marinated in a pickle juice, nondairy milk and spices. It is then dredged in flour and air fried (instead of deep fried) to make delicious vegan chick'n tenders. Paired with a vegan buffalo mayo for dipping.
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
Serving: 60gCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSodium: 253mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1.5g
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