Crispy Vegan Fried Chicken (Oyster Mushroom Recipe)
Crispy, juicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this oyster mushroom “fried chicken” delivers everything you love about classic comfort food—without any meat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer (for frying)
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet or tray (to place under rack)
- Air fryer (for lighter version)
- Parchment paper with holes (for air fryer)
- Small bowl or jar (for sauce mixing)
Ingredients
Deep Frying Version
- 8 oz oyster mushrooms
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp pickle brine
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut) for frying
Air Frying Version
- 8 oz oyster mushrooms
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tbsp pickle brine
- 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Oil spray as needed
Remoulade Sauce
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle brine
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine all remoulade ingredients. Stir until smooth and fully blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve.For a simpler option, mix vegan mayo, a splash of vinegar, and Cajun seasoning. Adjust to taste.
Step 2: Prep the Mushrooms
Gently clean oyster mushrooms if needed and pat dry. Tear larger clusters into smaller, bite-sized pieces suitable for nuggets, tenders, or sandwiches.
Step 3: Make the Wet Mixture
In a bowl, mix plant milk, hot sauce, pickle brine, and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened (like vegan buttermilk).If needed, add a bit more vinegar or a pinch of flour to thicken.
Step 4: Make the Dry Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and Cajun seasoning until evenly combined.
Step 5: Frying
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and Cajun seasoning until evenly combined.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Unsweetened plant milk gives the best flavor balance.
- Double dredging = extra crunchy crust (best for deep frying).
- Single coating = lighter, crispier air fryer result.
- Always use a wire rack to keep coating crisp—paper towels trap steam.
- Test one piece first and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spray oil generously for even browning in air fryer.
- Oyster mushrooms are affordable and widely available.
- Safety tip: Never add water to hot oil. Keep a lid nearby for emergencies.