Description
This Vegan Spicy Chicken Fried Jackfruit recipe offers a delicious and crispy plant-based alternative to traditional fried chicken. Made with young green jackfruit marinated in a spicy mixture, coated in seasoned flour and crunchy breadcrumbs, and air-fried to perfection, it’s a flavorful and healthy dinner option that is easy to prepare and perfect for those craving a hearty vegan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Jackfruit
- 2 cans of young green jackfruit (drained and rinsed)
Marinade
- 1 cup plant-based milk (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice level)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for an extra crispy coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Jackfruit: Begin by draining and rinsing the canned jackfruit. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Gently pull apart the jackfruit pieces to create a shredded, chicken-like texture. Some firmer parts can be cut into smaller pieces for better consistency.
- Create Your Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. Stir well to blend the flavors. Submerge the shredded jackfruit into the marinade and let it soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb the spicy, tangy flavor while tenderizing the fruit.
- Bread the Jackfruit: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one containing the seasoned flour mix (flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper), one with the remaining marinade liquid, and one with the breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Working in batches, take pieces of marinated jackfruit, first dredge in the flour mixture, then dip back into the marinade liquid if needed, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy outer layer.
- Air Fry for Perfect Crispiness: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded jackfruit pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the pieces with oil to enhance the crispiness. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time until the jackfruit is golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the jackfruit from the air fryer and serve hot. This spicy fried jackfruit pairs beautifully with dipping sauces, crispy fries, fresh salad, or tucked inside tacos for a comforting and flavorful vegan dinner.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If you prefer, you can also pan-fry the jackfruit, but air frying offers a healthier option with less oil.
- Ensure jackfruit is well dried before marinating to help the breading stick better.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegan fried chicken, spicy jackfruit, air fryer recipes, vegan dinner, plant-based, crispy jackfruit
