Say hello to your new favorite recipe, Fried Jackfruit Chicken nuggets.
These vegan chicken nuggets are a weeknight winner with the kiddos and adults.
Jump to RecipeWhat is Jackfruit?
Jackfruit is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family. When eaten ripe and raw, the taste of jackfruit is sweet and similar to pineapple, melon, and banana.
When it’s unripe, it has more of a neutral flavor. It is increasingly being used as a plant-based meat alternative because of the young, unripe fruit's ability to soak up flavor well and “meat-like” texture when cooked.
When cooked jackfruit takes on the appearance and texture of pulled meat. Use it in any dish calling for braised or pulled meat in preparation of anything from bowls, barbecue nachos and jackfruit Chick'n Nuggets.
Is Jackfruit Gluten-free?
Most definitely yes; jackfruit is gluten-free, in its young state it's often preserved in brine (a salt and water solution). However, be careful of prepackaged and/or frozen jackfruit with flavoring which can contain gluten.
How To Make Jackfruit Fried Chicken (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- deep fryer or air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 20 oz Green Jackfruit in brine rinsed and drained (We use the Trader Joe’s brand)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Vegetable oil or any oil suitable for frying at high temperature
Vegan Buttermilk Mixture
- 1 cup Almond milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Apple Cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Jackfruit Batter
- 3/4 cup Gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika, Salt, Onion, Thyme and Garlic powder each
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili powder
Instructions
- Drain jackfruit and set aside
- Prepare buttermilk bath. Mix almond milk, apple cider vinegar and hot sauce (optional). Set aside for 10 minutes to form buttermilk while you prepare coating.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, seasonings and spice in bowl.
- Preheat oil on medium high heat. Now add jackfruit to buttermilk mixture and let soak for 20 minutes. In a large resealable plastic zip lock bag add flour mixture and jackfruit pieces, their will be buttermilk leave in bottom of bowl. Shake until evenly coated.
Frying
- Heat oil over medium heat. Test with a pinch of flour and if it sizzles, its ready.
- Add nuggets in small batches to oil being careful not to overcrowd pan. (Overcrowding can lend to streaming instead of frying for a crispy crust). Turn occasionally, Cook until golden brown about 5 minutes. Keep the temperature of the oil up as you continue frying batches.
- Remove nuggets with strainer and place on paper towel to drain excess oil.
4 More Plant-Based Jackfruit Recipes To Put Into Heavy Dinner Rotation
What questions do you have? Leave us your questions/comments below or on Instagram at #thevgnway.
If you give this gluten free vegan jackfruit chicken nugget recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, or take a picture and tag and us on Instagram at #thevgnway.
Live Love and Eat Good Food!
The Vgn Way
- 10 MINUTE GLUTEN-FREE +VEGAN PAD THAI
Vegan Pad Thai With Peanut Sauce Pad Thai is a... - 50+ Easy Gluten Free Vegan Lunch Ideas
In need of some gluten free vegan lunch recipe inspiration... - 7 NATIONAL BRAND ALMOND MILKS REVIEWED
Almonds are packed with protein and healthy fats. But is almond milk....healthy?...
Stacey
How long in the air fryer?
Nija Clark
Hi Stacey, great question and we’ll make sure to add this note to the recipe. About 10 minutes per side at 350 but will vary a little depending on your air fryer. Make sure to spray with a little oil before putting in the fryer. But will definitely say that deep-frying is our preferred method for the best results. Please let us know how you like them : )
Jazz
I didn't know jackfruit could be made into nuggets until trying your recipe. Came out wonderfully!
Mila
I honestly didn't know jackfruit had so many uses, so I was really excited to find this recipe. It's so good. It's really a magical fruit!
Katrina Adams
I love this recipe!! The taste and flavors were perfect!!
Marta
I made these for my family's Meatless Monday without telling them they were jackfruit and they asked for seconds. They wouldn't believe they were meatless until I showed them this post! A great recipe!!
Capri
I’m obsessed with Jackfruit! I am so happy I came across this recipe, especially because I’m gluten free too! I made this for my family and they all loved it!
Kaluhi
I have a large Jackfruit in my pantry and this is the perfect recipe to put it to use! Thanks!
Chef Mireille
I've been on a jackfruit kick lately and always looking for new recipes to try. This was such a fabulous one and such a kid friendly recipe also!
Chenée
These crisped up so nicely in my air fryer!! It was delicious!
Tamara
I hardly missed the meat with these jackfruit nuggets. They were that good! I have implemented meatless Monday into our weekly routine, so these are definitely in rotation.
Shani
Even my boyfriend loved this substitute! Thank you for this recipe!
Kara
Thanks so much for this recipe! I haven't tried jackfruit before but my husband has made the switch to a vegan diet (due to a health condition) and we're always looking for new/interesting vegan meals to cook.
Aly M.
I hadn't tried out jackfruit in a recipe for a long time because I thought it was intimidating. But, this was actually easy to make! They were so addicting - I wish I had made more. I think my family is going to love this. When they come over for dinner, we will be making these again. 🙂
Stacie Hamilton
What an interesting recipe idea! I've seen the jackfruit at Trader Joes and never knew what to do with it.
Renia
I'm a huge fan of jackfruit but had never tried frying it until now. These bitesized nuggets were perfect for lunchtime today.
Marcus Torres
this is a awesome recipe! I can't believe you can do this with jackfruit.