Skip to main content

Best Egg Substitute in Fried Chicken

5 tested options with exact ratios, science-backed explanations, and tips for success.

Quick Answer

The best substitute for Egg in Fried Chicken is Buttermilk because it provides acidity and moisture that help the breading adhere while tenderizing the chicken, closely mimicking the binding and flavor-enhancing properties of egg wash.

Top 5 Egg Substitutes for Fried Chicken

Substitute Ratio
โญ Buttermilk (Best) 1/4 cup per egg
Aquafaba 3 tablespoons per egg
Greek Yogurt (thinned with water) 3 tablespoons yogurt + 1 tablespoon water per egg
Milk + Vinegar (Buttermilk substitute) 1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar per egg
Cornstarch Slurry 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water per egg

Detailed Guide: Each Egg Substitute in Fried Chicken

Buttermilk (Best Option)

1/4 cup per egg
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Adds moisture and acidity, enhancing breading adhesion and tenderizing the chicken without altering flavor significantly.

Buttermilk contains lactic acid which tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick by creating a slightly sticky surface. Its liquid consistency mimics the egg wash's moisture content, ensuring even coating.

For best results, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before dredging. Watch for excess liquid dripping off before breading to avoid sogginess.

Compared to egg, buttermilk produces a slightly tangier flavor and a tender crust that crisps well, making it a superior egg substitute in fried chicken.

Aquafaba

3 tablespoons per egg
Vegan Gluten-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free Dairy-Free
Quick tip: Provides excellent binding and moisture with a neutral flavor, allowing for a crisp coating similar to egg wash.

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, contains proteins and starches that mimic egg whites' binding properties. It helps the breading adhere firmly and crisps nicely when fried.

Use chilled aquafaba and whip lightly if possible to improve adhesion. Avoid using too much as it can make the coating soggy.

Aquafaba produces a crisp crust close to egg but with a slightly lighter texture and no egg flavor, ideal for vegan fried chicken.

Greek Yogurt (thinned with water)

3 tablespoons yogurt + 1 tablespoon water per egg
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Thinned yogurt provides moisture and slight acidity, aiding adhesion and tenderization with a mild tang.

Greek yogurt's protein and acidity help tenderize the chicken and bind the breading, similar to egg. Thinning it with water adjusts viscosity to mimic egg wash.

Mix thoroughly to avoid clumps and ensure even coating. Excess yogurt can cause sogginess, so apply a thin layer.

This substitute adds a subtle tang and slightly denser crust compared to egg, enhancing flavor complexity in fried chicken.

Milk + Vinegar (Buttermilk substitute)

1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar per egg
Gluten-Free Nut-Free
Quick tip: Simulates buttermilk's acidity and moisture, helping breading stick and tenderizing chicken mildly.

Combining milk and vinegar creates a homemade acidic liquid that mimics buttermilk's tenderizing and binding effects. This helps the breading adhere and promotes a crisp crust.

Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before use to curdle slightly. Use immediately and avoid excess liquid to prevent soggy breading.

This substitute yields a similar texture and flavor to buttermilk, though slightly less rich, maintaining a traditional fried chicken profile.

Cornstarch Slurry

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water per egg
Vegan Gluten-Free Fat-Free Nut-Free Dairy-Free
Quick tip: Creates a sticky coating that helps breading adhere but lacks moisture and flavor complexity.

Cornstarch mixed with water forms a gelatinous slurry that acts as a binder by creating a tacky surface for breading adhesion. However, it does not tenderize the chicken or add flavor.

Apply a thin, even layer to avoid a pasty texture. It is best combined with other moist ingredients for improved results.

This substitute produces a crisp crust but can be less flavorful and less tender than egg-based coatings, making it a less ideal choice for fried chicken.

Vegan Egg Substitutes for Fried Chicken

Full Vegan guide โ†’
Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tablespoons per egg

Provides excellent binding and moisture with a neutral flavor, allowing for a crisp coating similar to egg wash.

Cornstarch Slurry
Ratio: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water per egg

Creates a sticky coating that helps breading adhere but lacks moisture and flavor complexity.

Gluten-Free Egg Substitutes for Fried Chicken

Full Gluten-Free guide โ†’
Buttermilk
Ratio: 1/4 cup per egg

Adds moisture and acidity, enhancing breading adhesion and tenderizing the chicken without altering flavor significantly.

Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tablespoons per egg

Provides excellent binding and moisture with a neutral flavor, allowing for a crisp coating similar to egg wash.

Greek Yogurt (thinned with water)
Ratio: 3 tablespoons yogurt + 1 tablespoon water per egg

Thinned yogurt provides moisture and slight acidity, aiding adhesion and tenderization with a mild tang.

Milk + Vinegar (Buttermilk substitute)
Ratio: 1/4 cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar per egg

Simulates buttermilk's acidity and moisture, helping breading stick and tenderizing chicken mildly.

Cornstarch Slurry
Ratio: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water per egg

Creates a sticky coating that helps breading adhere but lacks moisture and flavor complexity.

Dairy-Free Egg Substitutes for Fried Chicken

Full Dairy-Free guide โ†’
Buttermilk
Ratio: 1/4 cup per egg

Adds moisture and acidity, enhancing breading adhesion and tenderizing the chicken without altering flavor significantly.

Aquafaba
Ratio: 3 tablespoons per egg

Provides excellent binding and moisture with a neutral flavor, allowing for a crisp coating similar to egg wash.

Cornstarch Slurry
Ratio: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water per egg

Creates a sticky coating that helps breading adhere but lacks moisture and flavor complexity.

โŒ What NOT to Use as a Egg Substitute in Fried Chicken

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is too thick and oily, which can cause the breading to become overly greasy and heavy rather than crisp. It also imparts a strong flavor that can overpower the traditional fried chicken taste.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu lacks the binding strength and moisture balance needed for breading adhesion in fried chicken. It can result in a gummy or dense coating that does not crisp properly.

Flaxseed Meal Gel

While flaxseed gel can bind, it tends to create a gummy texture and does not provide the acidity or moisture that helps tenderize the chicken or promote a crispy crust in fried chicken.

Found this helpful? Share it:

Need to substitute other ingredients in Fried Chicken?

All substitutes for Fried Chicken โ†’

Egg Substitutes in Other Recipes

View all Egg substitutes โ†’