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!
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?
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?
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.
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.
How To Buy Canned Jackfruit
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
Easy To Make Jackfruit Fried Chicken Recipe (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
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
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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Ben
Can you bake these?
Nija Clark | The Vgn Way
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.
Stacey
How long in the air fryer?
Nij
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.