Name: Air Fried Vegan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 block fava bean tofu (12 ounces); ½ cup unsweetened, unflavored non-dairy milk; 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for marinade); 1 teaspoon onion powder (for marinade); ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for breading); 1 teaspoon onion powder (for breading); Spray oil

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Air Fried Vegan Chicken is a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional fried chicken—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and completely meat-free. This version uses fava bean tofu for its firm, satisfying texture and absorbs all the flavors of a tangy, savory marinade. Made in the air fryer, this recipe skips the mess of deep frying while delivering maximum flavor and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving comfort food without the grease. It's easy to make, customizable, and uses simple ingredients. The fava bean tofu gives a meaty texture that mimics chicken surprisingly well, and the combination of pickle juice and spices in the marinade adds a burst of flavor. Best of all, it's made with an air fryer—no oil splatters or deep fryer required.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fava bean tofu (12-ounce block)

Marinade
non-dairy milk (unsweetened and unflavored)
pickle juice (from dill pickles)
garlic powder
onion powder
poultry seasoning

Breading
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
paprika
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
spray oil

Directions

Slice the fava bean tofu into four rectangles. Turn each rectangle so the short edge is facing you and slice it into four even pieces to create square-shaped cutlets.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and gently boil the tofu pieces for 7–10 minutes. This step improves the tofu's texture and helps it absorb the marinade.
Remove the tofu from the pot and let it cool for 5 minutes. Pat each piece dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
In a large bowl, combine the non-dairy milk, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning. Whisk until smooth.

Add the cooled tofu pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
When ready to cook, mix the breading ingredients—flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—on a large plate or shallow bowl.
Remove tofu from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and press each piece into the flour mixture, coating all sides well.

Lightly spray each breaded tofu piece with oil.
Place the tofu in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch.

Air fry at 400°F (206°C) for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
If the surface looks too dry after cooking, give it another light spray of oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a sandwich filling.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Soy tofu substitute: If you can’t find fava bean tofu, use extra firm soy tofu, pressed for at least 30 minutes.

Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for extra heat.
Herbaceous twist: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the marinade for more savory flavor.

Oven method: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Sandwich-style: Serve with lettuce, tomato, and vegan mayo on a bun.
Tenders version: Slice the tofu into thinner strips for vegan “chicken” tenders.

Asian twist: Swap the pickle juice for soy sauce and add ginger for a fusion version.
No oil: Skip the spray oil for a completely oil-free version, though it will be less crispy.
Buffalo-style: Toss the cooked tofu in vegan buffalo sauce before serving.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
To freeze: Freeze breaded, uncooked tofu pieces on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and cook directly from frozen in the air fryer.

FAQs

What is fava bean tofu?

Fava bean tofu is a soy-free alternative made from fava beans. It's high in protein and has a dense texture perfect for vegan "meat" dishes.

Can I use regular tofu instead of fava bean tofu?

Yes, extra firm soy tofu works well. Just make sure to press out excess moisture before boiling.

Why boil the tofu first?

Boiling helps improve the texture, allowing it to absorb more marinade and become chewier, similar to real chicken.

How long should I marinate the tofu?

At least 1 hour is recommended, but for deeper flavor, marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Can I skip the oil?

Yes, but the tofu won’t get as crispy without oil. You can still enjoy a tasty, low-fat version.

What does the pickle juice do?

Pickle juice adds a tangy, savory flavor that mimics the buttermilk used in traditional fried chicken recipes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it's mildly seasoned. Add cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve this with?

Serve it with fries, coleslaw, salad, or in a sandwich or wrap for a full meal.

Conclusion

This Air Fried Vegan “Chicken” is a game-changer for anyone looking to satisfy a fried chicken craving in a healthier, plant-based way. With a flavorful marinade, crispy breading, and juicy interior, it’s an easy and delicious recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served in a sandwich, on a salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.