13 Perfect Alternatives For Eggs In Fried Chicken To Choose

Sometimes there’s nothing more comforting than fried chicken, and homemade fried chicken can be even tastier once you’ve found the perfect recipe.

Eggs play an important role in fried chicken, in that they help the flour to stick to the chicken and add moisture to the batter. If you’re wondering what to use as a substitute for eggs in fried chicken, you’ve come to the right place.

Quick Table: Alternatives To Eggs

So, whether you’re plant-based, vegan, allergic, or simply don’t have any eggs in the house, you have a few ideas in your back pocket for substitutions. 

So, let’s get started. 

Flour And Water

Flour and water is one of the most simple yet effective substitutes for eggs in fried chicken.

To make this substitute, you can easily use a 1:1 ratio. This means that you simply need to combine equal parts of flour and water to make a thick paste. Make sure that there are no lumps in the mixture.

Coat the chicken and place each piece of chicken into the dredge, and you’ll be left with deliciously crispy fried chicken!

When using water, it’s important to know that due to the lack of fat, your chicken may dry out slightly during the frying process.

How To Substitute

Flour and water gives a thick and creamy paste to the eggs. Chickpea flour is a popular egg substitute in omelets and quiches because of its similar texture and flavor to eggs.

Buttermilk Or Milk

Regular milk works well, but you can use any milk of your choice, whether that’s cows or plant milk. 

However, you should never use sweetened or flavored milk, such as vanilla-flavored milk, because this will impact the overall taste of your fried chicken.

Alternatively, you could opt for buttermilk. Buttermilk will produce a sturdy, crispy coating and tends to add more moisture and texture than regular milk will. Use one-fourth cup of buttermilk to replace one egg.

If you don’t have any buttermilk in your refrigerator, you can always make your own by adding lemon juice to a cup of milk. Allow it time to curdle, and you’re ready to use it! 

It’s worth mentioning that some people like to soak their chicken in buttermilk overnight to tenderize the meat and keep it juicy. 

How To Substitute

Buttermilk is a dairy product made by churning fresh or cultured milk that has been naturally or artificially fermented by adding a bacterial culture. The product has a higher fat content than regular milk and is often used as an ingredient in cooking.

Yogurt

Another substitute for eggs in fried chicken is yogurt. Using plain yogurt will work to lock in moisture, but it can result in a different texture.

It’s important to steer clear of yogurt with a high sugar content, as any sauce used with excess sugar will easily burn when it comes to you frying the chicken.

You also won’t want to use flavored yogurt, as this will alter the flavor of the fried chicken and throw the recipe off.

You can use ¼  cup of yogurt for each egg. You should also be aware that without eggs, you need to make sure that you’re using small pieces of chicken that cook through very quickly. 

This comes down to the fact that the eggs normally protect the dairy in the batter from cooking when exposed to high temperatures. However, without the eggs, the protein and fat in the dairy can cook quickly.

How To Substitute

Yogurt is an excellent option as a substitute for eggs. Yogurt is substituted with eggs that tastes great, has a creamy texture, and can be used in place of eggs in many dishes.

RELATED: 13 Amazing Substitutes for Eggs to Use when Baking Brownies

Applesauce And Flour

Another substitute for eggs in fried chicken is applesauce and flour. When using applesauce to make fried chicken, you will need to opt for a plain, unsweetened applesauce and roll the chicken into it. 

You will need to replace one egg with ¼ cup of applesauce.

It’s important that you don’t opt for an applesauce that contains sugar, as the sugar is much more likely to burn in the hot oil. This can cause you to overbrown your fried chicken, and will leave a burnt taste in your mouth.

Dredge the chicken pieces in flour and fry the chicken as you normally would. Delicious! 

How To Substitute

In health-conscious recipes, apple sauce has long been substituted for eggs and oil. When used here as an egg replacement, it made the recipe a little chewy but moist.

Aquafaba And Cornstarch

Aquafaba is used as a vegan substitute in a variety of different recipes, and fried chicken is no exception! 

You can use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg when combined with cornstarch.

The great thing about using aquafaba as a substitute for egg is that it doesn’t impact the flavor, and you can also beat it to form a similar consistency to egg whites.

How To Substitute

Aquafaba is the liquid resulting from the cooking of beans or from the canning of beans. Because Aquafaba consists primarily of carbohydrates, proteins, and other soluble plant solids, it can be used as an egg substitute, emulsifying, foaming, binding, gelatinizing, and thickening agent.

Cornstarch And Water 

Mixing cornstarch and water is similar to combining flour and water together, but the overall result is smoother and it is one of the best substitutes for eggs in fried chicken.

Generally speaking, this batter will be on the thicker side, so you will want to add a splash of carbonated water to loosen the mixture slightly. You can replace each egg with ¼ cup of carbonated water.

The carbonation traps air bubbles in the batter, which help make the finished product light and fluffy.

How To Substitute

Flourless Cornstarch is a delicious and easy way to make pancakes without flour. The cornstarch substitute can be used to make pancakes, waffles, and quick breads. They are also the perfect base for savory dishes like crepes and quiches.

Mashed Avocados

When you can’t decide what to have for breakfast, why not go for the tried and true? Mashed avocados are a breakfast favorite that have a soft, smooth texture and a rich, creamy flavor. 

You can also top them with all your favorite breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and tomatoes. They’re the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and creamy.

Mashed avocados are the most delicious way to enjoy the fruit in a healthy way. They are typically eaten cold or at room temperature.

Mashed avocados are delicious. When avocados are mashed, they are combined with various ingredients and spices, then served with a fork and a plate. They can be eaten as a salad, or with other food such as pasta.

How To Substitute

Eggs can also be substituted for mashed avocados. The texture of mashed avocados is much more similar to eggs than other ingredients, so this substitution works best for recipes that call for eggs.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a soft, creamy block of tofu that has been pressed into a shape resembling a block of cheese. The texture is similar to soft tofu, but the taste is much milder. Silken tofu is a versatile product. 

It can be used in dishes such as salads, sandwiches, soups, and desserts. It can also be used as a substitute for cream cheese in recipes such as cakes, pies, and savory dishes.

It is a soy-based product that has a smooth, rich texture and is often used as a non-dairy replacement for dairy in dishes.

How To Substitute

The simple substitution of tofu for eggs in a recipe creates a texture that is silky and creamy, and it also mimics the binding properties of eggs.

Seltzer

Seltzer is a carbonated beverage made by dissolving carbon dioxide into water. The most common type of seltzer is sparkling water, which is carbonated water with added flavoring and sweeteners.

It is a popular choice for a refreshing and healthy drink. 

The mixture is then mixed with a flavoring agent and caffeine, which helps to create the bubbles. Seltzers can come in a variety of flavors, such as citrus, cream, or fruit.

How To Substitute

A substitute for eggs that you can make in your own home is to use seltzer. To do this, take a tall glass and fill it with cold water. Next, pour the seltzer into the glass and then add a tablespoon of vinegar. Then add a teaspoon of salt and stir. Add the ice cubes and stir until they are dissolved. Finally, add the egg and stir again.

Mashed Bananas

Mashed bananas are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavor of bananas. They are great to use as a breakfast or dessert.

Bananas are an easy snack to make and they are perfect for a morning or afternoon snack. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have this healthy and delicious snack on hand.

The banana-based recipe includes milk and sometimes honey, and it is topped with a variety of different ingredients. They can be eaten as a topping for toast, cereal, or as a cereal topping.

How To Substitute

For people who are allergic to eggs, this is an easy way to replace them in recipes. The bananas help bind the cake together and give it a slightly more dense texture. This can be done by substituting two mashed bananas for one egg in the recipe.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a natural, vegan, gluten-free thickener that is a staple in the baking industry.

Arrowroot flour can be used in gluten-free recipes, and it’s a natural substitute for flour, as it can be mixed with flour to create a mixture that will act like wheat flour. 

It’s used in both sweet and savory dishes, like in this vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free recipe for vegan brownies.

Arrowroot flour is easily digested and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those with diabetes, or anyone trying to avoid sugar.

How To Substitute

To make the dough, mix 1/4 cup of arrowroot flour with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir until the mixture becomes a thick paste. The dough should be sticky but not too wet. If the dough is too wet, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry, add a little bit of water.

Condensed Milk

Condensed milk is a milk product that is widely used in cooking and baking. It is made by evaporating a large amount of milk, then adding it back to the remaining milk. 

The milk is heated and the water is removed with an evaporator. Condensed milk is a rich, sweet dairy product that is made by boiling whole milk for hours. This process reduces the volume of the milk, which is then condensed.

For many, the perfect milk for a cold day is the sweet and creamy taste of condensed milk.

How To Substitute

For people who are allergic to eggs, substitute them with condensed milk. To do this, put one can of condensed milk in a pot with 2 cups of boiling water and stir. Let it boil for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

Nutty Butter

This classic sweet spread has a rich, buttery flavor that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. It is made with nothing but organic peanuts and pure cane sugar, with no added salt, dairy, or oils. 

Nuts are a tasty way to add a nutritional boost to any meal, snack, or dessert. And this nutritious butter is made with just five whole nuts.

How To Substitute

For a savory breakfast, try substituting nutty butter for the eggs in your favorite recipes. It’s a healthier, easier, and cheaper option.

In Summary 

Making fried chicken without eggs can be a challenge, but the process is made much easier by having these substitutes.

Just because you don’t have any eggs or simply can’t eat them, doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on the crispy goodness of fried chicken.

Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with these different substitutes for eggs in fried chicken until you find your favorite recipe!

Good luck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is The Batter Falling Off The Chicken?

One of the most common reasons why your batter isn’t sticking to your chicken and is falling off is that it’s too moist.

This causes the batter to slip off as you fry the chicken, or sometimes means that the batter won’t stick onto the chicken for long enough to even make it to the fryer.

There’s no getting away from the fact that when you’re making fried chicken with an eggless batter, it can be more challenging to work with. However, with a little patience and perseverance, you will be able to make the recipe to your liking.

If you’re double dipping your chicken strips, it’s a good idea to allow the batter to dry out slightly before dipping it again or give it another generous coating of flour in the second dredging to ensure the meat isn’t too wet before you place it into the fryer.

In the majority of cases, you should try to thicken your batter if it continues to fall off your chicken strips. You can do this by adding the liquid in your recipe slowly, or by adding more of the dry ingredient if the mixture is already too wet.

Cooking Methods To Make Fried Chicken Healthier?

If you like experimenting in the kitchen, you might be open to trying to make fried chicken in a different way in a bid to make it slightly healthier.

Fried chicken isn’t a particularly healthy meal. However, you might want to experience the taste of something similar, without using the abundance of oil that fried chicken requires.

In addition to this, trying different cooking methods to make your fried chicken is a great way to learn new cooking techniques. After all, mixing things up can make a nice change and bring a new element to a recipe that is well loved.

Grilling

Grilling is another way to cook your chicken, which is a great option when you’re having a barbeque.

If you grill your meat, you won’t have to be running back and forth to check the fryer as you’ll be cooking all of the meat in the same place.

When grilling your chicken, you will need to make sure that you use a thicker batter. However, provided that the grill is red hot and you close the lid, your chicken will cook through and should crisp up nicely, too.

Baking Followed By Broiling

While you might think that baked chicken is nowhere near as good as fried chicken, don’t knock this method until you try it.

You will need to incorporate a little oil into the batter, alongside drizzling the oil onto the pan before placing the battered chicken on it.

You need to make sure that you have a very thick, sturdy batter, so if you’re not using eggs, make sure you opt for something with a thick consistency for the best results.

Preheat the oven to the highest setting, and place the chicken into the oven. You will need to turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking.

This will help you achieve some beautifully crispy edges after your meat has been in the oven, without over saturating your chicken in oil. Delicious! 

Why Is My Fried Chicken Not Crispy?

There are a variety of variables that can affect how crispy your fried chicken is. These include but are not limited to:

Your Chicken Is Too Cold

While you should always store your chicken in the refrigerator, taking it out before you fry it will result in a superior texture.

Make sure that you cook the chicken within half an hour, as it shouldn’t sit on the counter for too long to minimize the risk of food poisoning. 

You’ve Used The Wrong Type Of Frying Oil

You might think that any oil will do, but not every type of oil is suitable for frying.  

The Heat Is Too Low Or Too High

If the pan is too low, your chicken will take too long to fry and become overly dense and oily. On the other hand, if the pan is too hot, the batter of the chicken will brown too quickly while the meat is still raw on the inside.

You Haven’t Coated Your Chicken Properly

Fried chicken isn’t the healthiest of meals, but if you’re going to do it, do it properly. The breading is the key to forming a crispy crust on your chicken, and double dipping your chicken in flour won’t go a miss!

Simply dredge your chicken in flour, dip it in buttermilk or whichever ingredient you’re using, and then dip it in the flour again.

The Best Substitutes For Eggs In Fried Chicken

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

35

minutes

Are you interested in making fried chicken without eggs? Check out this guide on the best substitutes for eggs in fried chicken.

Ingredients

• Flour And Water

• Buttermilk Or Milk

• Yogurt

• Applesauce And Flour

• Aquafaba And Cornstarch

• Cornstarch And Water

• Mashed Avocados

• Silken Tofu

• Seltzer

• Mashed Bananas

• Arrowroot

• Condensed Milk

• Nutty Butter

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
  
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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