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The VGN Way » Dinner

How To Make Jackfruit "Chicken" Nuggets (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Published: Oct 9, 2020 · Modified: Aug 14, 2022 by Nija Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

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The texture and seasoning make these Jackfruit chicken nuggets the perfect plant-based substitute for crispy southern fried "chicken" nuggets. We know you'll really enjoy this vegan and gluten-free nuggets recipe. A weeknight winner with the kiddos and adults alike.

PIN these Jackfruit "Chicken" Nuggets to try later!

2 plates with a dollop of ketchup on one side of each plate and home style fries and Jackfruit nuggets on the other side of the plate
Definitely a great feeling when dinner comes out so well. Jackfruit Nuggets and fries.
Jump to Recipe

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. However you can find important tips/tricks in the post like rolling out the crackers, how thick/thin your dough should be and storing

Table of contents

  • What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?
  • What is Jackfruit?
  • Is Jackfruit Gluten-free?
  • How To Buy Canned Jackfruit
    • Nutrients in Jackfruit
    • More Canned Jackfruit Recipes

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

We get asked all the time does jackfruit really taste like chicken and the answer is yes and no.

Yes, the unripe fruit has a really neutral flavor; like that of tofu. Both don't taste like much of anything in the beginning. However, after we season the young jackfruit and fried it really does take on the taste and texture of chicken. Young jackfruit is also referred to as green and/or unripe when it's young.

The ripe fruit is completely different and absolutely does not taste like chicken; it's a sweet fruit that puts you in the mindset of honeydew, banana and maybe something floral.

Definitely give both a try. You will not be disappointed. As a sweet fruit to add to fruit salad or using the canned jackfruit as a meat substitute for shredded BBQ sandwich, pizza topping or jackfruit pot pie vegan recipes.

What is Jackfruit?

unripe canned jackfruit pieces in colander

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 honeydew, pineapple, melon, and banana. Its a unique and delicious flavor that doesn't taste exactly like anything we have ever had before.

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 or jackfruit Chick'n Nuggets.

A whole fresh ripe Jackfruit
A whole fresh ripe Jackfruit at our local Farmers Market. Please note this is not the young unripe fruit in the can below

Is Jackfruit Gluten-Free?

Most definitely yes; jackfruit is gluten-free, in its young state it's often preserved in brine (a salt water solution). However, be careful of prepackaged and/or frozen jackfruit with flavoring which can contain gluten.

Canned Traders Joe’s Green Jackfruit

How To Buy Canned Jackfruit

How To Buy Canned Jackfruit

We like to use Trader Joe’s canned Green Jackfruit in Brine; however, Amazon sells a brand called Native Forest Young Jackfruit in a 14 oz can. Note that Native Forest contains 840g of sodium as compared to Trader Joe's 300g of sodium per can. You also want to make sure that you are careful with frozen varieties, you do not want to buy the ripen and sweet version of Jackfruit which can also come in syrup for this recipe. Ripe Jackfruit is sweet and delicious but not a great substitution in meat replacement dishes

Nutrients in Jackfruit

The nutritional makeup of jackfruit is 90% carbohydrate; however, its a good source of Vitamin C, and Vitamin A. Jackfruit is unique in that it does contain some protein. However compared to other meat substitutes its on the lower end of amount of protein per serving. There is a small amount of protein present in the fruit and seeds, However, it makes a great low-calorie, low glycemic meat replacement, a good source of fiber, potassium and antioxidants.

Say hello to your new favorite recipe, Fried Jackfruit Chicken nuggets.

More Canned Jackfruit Recipes

  • Jackfruit Potpie
  • Peach BBQ Jackfruit Pizza
  • Easy Vegan Pulled ”Pork” Styled Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich
Southern Fried Buttermilk Jackfruit Chick'n Nuggets The Vgn Way

Easy To Make Jackfruit Fried Chicken Recipe (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Nija Clark
The texture and seasoning make these deep fried Jackfruit chicken nuggets the perfect plant-based substitute for crispy southern fried "chicken" nuggets. We know you'll really enjoy this vegan and gluten-free nuggets recipe. A weeknight winner with the kiddos and adults alike.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 588 kcal

Equipment

  • deep fryer or air fryer
  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Paper Towels
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 2 20 oz cans Green Jackfruit in brine Drain brine off and rinse (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 ½ tablespoon Apple Cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce optional
  • ½ teaspoon Salt

Jackfruit Batter

  • ¾ cup Gluten-free flour
  • ¼ cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika, Salt, Onion, Thyme and Garlic powder each
  • ¼ teaspoon Chili powder

Instructions
 

  • Drain brine, then rinse 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.
  • Add jackfruit to buttermilk mixture and let soak for 20 minutes.
  • In a large resealable plastic zip lock bag add flour mixture and wet 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 56gSaturated Fat: 44gSodium: 693mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 37IUCalcium: 266mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @vgnway or tag #thevgnway!

These nutritional figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.

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.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ben

    July 04, 2021 at 1:31 am

    Can you bake these?

    Reply
    • Nija Clark | The Vgn Way

      July 14, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      Hello Ben,

      We do not recommend baking them. We find that the gluten-free coating doesn’t really get crispy when baking. Air fryer is a decent option. 20 minutes on 400 degrees in our air fryer. But watch closely as yours may be quicker. Let us know what you think if you do decide to bake. I would start at 425 for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Stacey

    August 11, 2020 at 8:49 am

    How long in the air fryer?

    Reply
    • Nij

      August 11, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      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 : )

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Hi, we're Nija & Shad! Thank you, for visiting The Vgn Way (the vegan way)! No matter how you spell it. We’ve made it our mission to make this site a great place to share delicious, simple, plant-based, vegan & gluten-free recipes with you.

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Hi, we're Nija & Shad! Thank you, for visiting The Vgn Way (the vegan way)! No matter how you spell it. We’ve made it our mission to make this site a great place to share delicious, simple, plant-based, vegan & gluten-free recipes with you.

More about me →

Healthy Vegan Recipes

  • Spicy Kale Wrap Salad
  • Oven Roasted Sheet Pan Portobello Mushroom Fajitas (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
  • 50+ Easy Gluten Free Vegan Lunch Ideas For Work Or School
  • Healthy Vegan Air-Fryer Recipes
  • Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air-Fryer & Oven Baked)
  • Homemade Loaded Hummus
  • Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins
  • High Protein Chickpea Waffles (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Vegan Comort & Soul Food

  • Vegan Soul Food Recipes
  • Easy Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Quick Bread (Southern Style)
  • Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
  • Crispy Gluten-Free Cornbread Crackers
  • How To Make Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
  • Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

Trending Recipes

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  • 10 Easy JUST Egg Recipes Ideas
  • Just Egg Vegan Quiche
  • Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Biscuits
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