Crispy Vegan KFC Popcorn Chicken in Just 20 Minutes! Recipe
This Crispy Vegan KFC Popcorn Chicken recipe offers a delicious and plant-based twist on the classic fried chicken favorite. Using soy curls as the protein base and an 11-spice seasoning blend, these bite-sized morsels are soaked, coated, and fried to golden perfection in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Vegan Chicken Base
- 1 cup Soy Curls (Rehydrate in broth for best flavor.)
- 1 cup No-Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can work as a substitute.)
Coating
- 1/2 cup Aquafaba (Can substitute with flax eggs or a cornstarch-water mix.)
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch (Consider using potato starch for a different crunch.)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Opt for gluten-free flour if needed.)
- 2 tablespoons 11-Spice Seasoning (Or substitute with salt, pepper, and paprika.)
Instructions
- Rehydrate Soy Curls: Soak the soy curls in no-chicken broth until fully rehydrated, which takes about 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the soy curls absorb flavor and soften properly to resemble chicken texture.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and the 11-spice seasoning. This dry mix creates a flavorful, crispy crust when fried.
- Coat the Soy Curls: Drain the soaked soy curls well. Then dip each piece into the aquafaba to help the coating adhere, and roll them in the coating mixture until fully covered.
- Fry the Popcorn Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated soy curls for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become a golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried soy curls from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Aquafaba can be replaced with flax eggs or a cornstarch-water mix for binding if preferred.
- Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for a different type of crunch.
- 11-spice seasoning can be replaced with a simple mix of salt, black pepper, and paprika if unavailable.
- Ensure the oil temperature is hot enough but not smoking to get an even golden crust without burning.
- Serve with vegan dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce or vegan ranch for added flavor.
Keywords: vegan popcorn chicken, soy curls recipe, vegan fried chicken, crispy vegan appetizer, plant-based chicken bites
