Egg-citing Egg Substitutes for Frying in the Kitchen

Is There an Egg Alternative for Frying?

Need a quick egg substitute for frying? There are many available egg alternatives for frying. For example, a flour-water slurry is an ideal egg substitute for frying. To prepare, whisk together equal parts of flour and water in a small mixing basin. 

You can also make a slurry with cornstarch, arrowroot powder, chickpea flour, and rice flour.

Heavy cream, milk, crushed flaxseed, and water are also excellent alternatives.

Frying pan

How Much Egg Substitute Equals One Egg?

A quarter-cup egg substitute is equal to one egg. Using liquid egg substitutes instead of whole eggs is simple. You should measure one quarter cup substitute for every whole large egg in your recipe. Also, use one whole egg for every one-quarter cup of egg substitute listed in your recipe if you would like to use fresh eggs instead of a substitute.

Suggested Egg Substitutes for Frying

Because eggs are such a wholesome meal, people often use them in frying recipes worldwide. They’re also incredibly adaptable, allowing them to be ingredients in various cuisines. Eggs work well with almost everything, including vegetables, fruits, yams, cereals, lentils, pulses, shellfish, fish, meats, and baked products!

Frying dishes with eggs is an exceedingly ancient practice utilized for ages by numerous locations and tribes. Today, chefs globally recognize how effective it is at producing the combination of a crispy, crunchy outside coating with a moist, delicate interior in all-fried delicacies. As a result, eggs are a common ingredient in fried recipes such as;

  • Fried chicken
  • Scotch eggs
  • Crispy mushrooms
  • Crisp onion rings
  • Breaded shrimp meal
  • Crunchy cauliflower
  • Chicken cordon bleu
  • Vegetable tempura
  • Deep-fried strawberries
  • Meatballs

Substitutes for Eggs in Frying

For various reasons, you would want to use anything other than eggs to fry your cuisine. Perhaps you follow a vegan diet and avoid eating any animal products. Maybe you have concerns about your cholesterol or protein intake. 

Also, you may be allergic to eggs yet still want to eat deep-fried dishes. Or perhaps you need to make a breaded or batter-fried dish but are out of eggs! Whatever the cause, you should know there are more convenient alternatives to eggs for frying dishes. 

While some work on a larger scale, others are better suited to specific situations. The following are our recommendations for the closest substitutes.

Buttermilk

Aside from regular milk, which is thinner, buttermilk will make the coating thicker. However, any option would be an excellent egg alternative! Soak the food item in buttermilk for a few hours before coating it with seasoned flour or breadcrumbs to produce the batter. 

When cooked in hot oil, the buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and create a delicious crust. You can use buttermilk as an egg substitute for frying fish fillets, pork chops, okra, zucchini slices, and eggplant.

Eggless Batter

A batter without eggs is one of the simplest solutions for replacing eggs in frying. This substitution is ideal because you will likely have most of the materials on hand 99% of the time. You only need flour, pepper, salt, and either yeast or baking powder. Then, immediately dip the meal in the mixture and cook it!

Further, you can substitute a carbonated beverage like soda, beer, or sparkling water for baking powder or yeast. This method produces a frothy batter that rises around the food, resulting in a crunchier outcome. 

Also, the egg-free batter is quite versatile; you can use it as an egg substitute for frying chicken, meats, fish, and vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, pickles, mushrooms, and potatoes.

Heavy Cream

Many people are unaware they can use heavy cream instead of eggs for frying. Heavy cream is ideal for fried food items that require breading because it creates a sticky surface to coat with crumbs. 

Instead of eggs, dip or cover the food in heavy cream, then roll or rub in crumbs and fry immediately. Of course, this is a high-fat option, so if that’s not an issue for you, it can work for your poultry, fish, and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and eggplants.

Mayonnaise

You can use mayonnaise as a coating while frying different types of foods. This method bears the names “mayonnaise breading” or “mayo breading.” Some foods you coat and fry using this method are fish fillets, pork chops, eggplant slices, mozzarella sticks, and more. 

To produce the coating, you need to spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the food item before coating it with breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. Then, cook till golden brown and crispy in hot oil. The mayonnaise contributes to a wet and delicious coating.

Milk

Believe it or not, you can fry foods with milk instead of eggs. Milk is thick and constant enough to keep breading or flour on meals, and it has the correct quantity of fat and moisture. In place of eggs, milk is an excellent egg substitute for breading chicken, dipping and coating fish, pork chops, and cheese sticks. 

Moreover, you can use any milk you like, from cow’s milk to plant-based milk like almond, soy, rice, or even buttermilk. Just avoid the flavored varieties, as they will alter the final flavor of the cuisine.

Olive Oil

If you want a vegan solution that is also simple to use, olive oil is the finest substitute for eggs in frying. Olive oil, often considered one of the healthiest cooking oils available, can simply be ideal for frying bread. Once you prepare the crumbs and season them to taste, dip or coat the food in olive oil, roll in the crumbs, and the coating will stick sufficiently.

You should, however, note that air frying is the optimum method for frying meals covered with olive oil. And it’s not just for tofu and vegetables; non-vegans can use it for fish or seafood.

Tomato Paste

You can also use tomato paste to replace frying with eggs because it is thick and allows things to stick readily. It also works well with beef, chicken, and fish, and it retains moisture well. You should slather the meal rather than dip it in to avoid having too much of it, especially because the tomato flavor may be obvious at the end. 

However, it may not be an issue because it is a familiar flavor, mainly because the chicken or fish will finally turn out crispy and tasty.

Water and Flour

A combination of water and flour is a suitable substitute. Just be sure to combine it in equal amounts to achieve the desired thickness.

To make the batter, combine water and flour in a mixing dish until smooth paste forms. Then, dip the meal into the batter before cooking it in hot oil till golden brown and crispy. You can use it in frying fish fillets, shrimp, eggplant slices, mushrooms, and more.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a delicious treat, but you may also use it to fry several foods. However, if you want to use yogurt for this purpose, you should probably use the plain variety. You can use yogurt to fry fish, chicken, vegetables, meatballs, and onion rings. 

Additionally, it is essential to remember that when using yogurt for frying, the finished product may have a different texture and flavor than when you use typical coatings such as eggs or milk.

How to Substitute Eggs in Vegan Baking

Baking without eggs from chicken or other poultry may appear challenging. Still, the reality is that substituting other food items for eggs yields similar results. Below is a list of vegan egg substitutes bakers can use in everything from cakes and muffins to shakshouka. 

Apple Sauce

Applesauce is an excellent substitute for sweets such as cakes and cupcakes. You can replace each egg with one-quarter cup of applesauce. Remember that applesauce will likely result in a denser final product than eggs. To remedy this, add one-half teaspoon of baking powder to get a lighter, fluffier end result. 

Aquafaba

The liquid from a can of chickpeas makes aquafaba. To use aquafaba as an egg substitute, mix the liquid until it becomes frothy. Each average-sized can typically hold eight to twelve tablespoons, which can replace two to three entire eggs (four tablespoons each) or four to six egg whites (two tablespoons each). 

You can use aquafaba instead of eggs in making many baked items, including cookies, brownies, and even quiches. Aquafaba can also be ideal for making marshmallows or meringue by beating the liquid for a little longer until it forms firm peaks. 

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

A blend of baking soda and apple cider vinegar is excellent for most recipes that require only one egg replacement. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda and apple cider vinegar to make the swap. You can also replace buttermilk in plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar.  

Black Salt (Kala Namak)

Himalayan black salt, also known as kala namak, is an excellent complement for individuals who enjoy the taste of eggs but oppose the cruelty in their production. Because of the sulfur compounds in the salt, it tastes incredibly similar to eggs. 

Adding a sprinkle to vegan quiches or tofu scrambles gives them an eggy flavor. When making this substitution, keep in mind that kala namak is salt. Therefore, you should reduce any other salt in the recipe or replace it entirely to avoid over-salting. 

Chia

Because of the great nutritional content of chia seeds, substituting chia for eggs in baking is an excellent approach to improving nutrients. Simply combine one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water per egg and set aside for about five minutes or until the mixture thickens and forms a gel. 

Chia seeds are pretty adaptable in the kitchen, and you can use them in a wide variety of recipes, but they are excellent for pancakes, bread, and muffins. 

Chickpea Flour 

To replace eggs with chickpea flour, whisk up two teaspoons flour, two tablespoons water, and one teaspoon oil for each egg and set aside for five minutes before using. This substitution is ideal for many baking recipes because it does not affect the texture or flavor of the finished product. 

However, chickpea flour tastes very bad when cooked, so licking the spoon with the batter may not be as enticing. 

Cornstarch

You can use cornflour, blended with water, instead of eggs in practically any dessert. You should use two tablespoons of cornflour and three tablespoons of water to replace each egg. 

Flaxseed (Linseed)

Flaxseed eggs are quite adaptable in baking; however, they take some preparation. It’s easy to make a flaxseed substitute. Simply combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and place in the refrigerator for fifteen minutes. 

Oats

When preparing an egg substitute, use instant porridge or fine oats rather than old-fashioned rolled oats. It’s as simple as combining at least two tablespoons of oats with three tablespoons of boiling water per egg to make an oat-based egg replacer. 

After it cools and solidifies, you can use the liquid as it is or make it into a smooth paste. It’s delicious in waffles, pancakes, bread, and other baked products. 

Plant-Based Yogurt

If you want to make a moist cake or cupcakes, use plant-based yogurt instead of eggs. To make this substitution, replace one egg with one-quarter cup of your favorite non-dairy vegan yogurt. Choosing flavored yogurt over plain unsweetened yogurt is another fantastic way to personalize and spice up a recipe, but remember that it might change the flavor profile.

Pumpkin Puree

Canned pumpkin puree is a simple pumpkin substitute for eggs and oil in prepared mixes. Add one-quarter cup of pumpkin puree to each egg in a recipe. 

To replace oil, use a one-to-one ratio, so if a recipe asks for half a cup of oil, use half a cup of pumpkin instead. If you use pumpkin as a substitute, the finished result may have a slightly different flavor or color; therefore, it works best in baked items with a dark tint and robust flavor, such as chocolate cakes. 

Ripe Bananas

You can use ripe bananas to substitute eggs in chewy baked products like brownies and blondies. The usual rule is to substitute one egg with an average-sized mashed banana. 

Silken Tofu and Firm Tofu

Silken tofu is a high-protein, versatile egg substitute that you may use to produce frittatas, quiches, and baked goods like muffins and cakes. Substitute up to four eggs with pureed silken tofu at one-quarter cup per egg to create this substitution. Though not as good for baking, you can use firm tofu instead of eggs in dishes like egg salad and scrambles. 

Tapioca Starch 

You can substitute tapioca starch for eggs in various baked items. Combine one tablespoon of tapioca starch and three tablespoons of water for each egg. You can also use tapioca starch to make smooth, creamy, homemade vegan mayonnaise. 

Vegan Egg Replacers

Various items are specifically available to substitute eggs without affecting the flavor or texture of completed recipes. You can find them in liquid or powder form and use them to prepare various dishes ranging from quiches and casseroles to baked products.

Frying pan in kitchen

What you Can Expect From Each Alternative

SubstituteCoatingTextureTasteRating
Eggless batterThick and frothyCrunchyNo tasteTop tier
Heavy creamThick and stickyCrunchyNo tasteMiddle tier
MilkThinner but not patchy (except on eggplant skin)CrunchyNo tasteMiddle tier
Olive oilThinnerCrunchyNo tasteMiddle tier
Tomato pasteThick and stickyCrunchyNo tasteMiddle tier
ButtermilkThick and fullLess crunchy than othersNo tasteMiddle tier
MayonnaiseFull but a quite loose and delicateLess crunchy than othersNo tasteMiddle tier
Water and FlourHeavy and thick (you can make it lighter)Very crunchyNo tasteTop tier
YogurtThickCrunchyNo tasteMiddle tier

Egg Substitute Powders

If substituting pumpkin, bananas, or flaxseed for eggs in recipes doesn’t seem attractive, there are various powder egg alternatives available that you may use in baked goods and produce the same flavors and textures as eggs. 

Brands of Vegan Egg Substitutes

  • Bob’s Red Mill Vegan Egg Replacer: You can use one 12-ounce (340.2-gram) bag of this egg replacer brand to replace 34 eggs, making it one of the most economical vegan egg replacers on the market. To begin replacing it, mix it with water and set it aside for a minute. 
  • The Neat Egg: You can use this brand in any recipe that calls for an egg as a binding agent. Most baked foods, such as cakes, brownies, and cookies, fall within this category. You must combine it with a little water and mix it thoroughly. 
  • The Vegg Vegan Egg Yolk: This is a perfect substitute for eggs in hollandaise, french toast, and dipping dishes. Simply combine it with water and blend before using. 
  • Follow Your Heart VeganEgg: To use VeganEgg, combine the powder with ice-cold water and use the resulting combination to make a scramble, french toast, or other egg-based foods. 

Egg Substitute For Frying Pork Chops

Other than eggs, there are several possibilities for breading pork chops. Butter or heavy cream work just as well here! You can also use gelatin, egg replacer, and honey as egg alternatives.

Everyone agrees that heavy cream is the best option. It functions similarly to milk but is thicker, allowing for better coating and crunch. 

Another excellent alternative is an egg replacer. It has the consistency of real eggs. It consists of potato starch, tapioca starch, leavening, and a few additional substances. However, it will function similarly to eggs. 

Furthermore, gelatin may not appear to be a suitable substitute because, after all, gelatin is an ingredient in making jello and other similar products. Combining a tablespoon of gelatin with three tablespoons of room-temperature water thickens the mixture sufficiently to substitute one egg. Another reason this is beneficial is that the texture of eggs and gelatin is similar. 

Because they aren’t in the same food category and honey is stickier, honey is another unusual yet delightful substance to employ as an egg substitute. However, the honey’s sticky nature makes it an excellent binding agent for the bread crumbs, allowing it to cover well and have a nice crunch.

It may make your chicken taste like honey, but it won’t have an overpowering flavor or taste because it isn’t the central flavoring element.

Why Do You Need Egg Substitutes?

Here are the main reasons you might be looking for egg substitutes:

Allergy to Eggs

Eggs are a common allergen in toddlers and adults. Although some people grow out of this allergy, others who continue to have it may feel skin irritation, nasal congestion, indigestion, and other symptoms after consuming the product. 

Intolerance to Eggs

An egg intolerance is not the same as an allergy. Egg intolerance means you can still eat eggs but may face adverse effects. Bloating, diarrhea, and nausea are all possible side effects. 

For Medical Reasons 

Eggs are heavy in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can lead to difficulties in people with heart disease. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), eggs are a common source of salmonella and other food poisoning types. 

Individual Preference

It is also possible that refusing to eat eggs is a personal choice. It could be because of religion or social values. Whatever your reason for avoiding eating eggs, this article provides plenty of substitution possibilities!

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can You Use Butter Instead of Eggs for Frying?

You certainly can. Roll the item in melted butter before breading, or coat it with flour in the absence of eggs. Butter also works well with chicken, fish, meatballs, and veggies. Make sure to use a butter brand with a flavor you enjoy so that the end result is to your liking.

Can You Substitute Mayo Instead of Eggs for Frying?

You certainly can. Mayonnaise, like eggs, has the correct amount of fat. However, thicken it with some milk or cream before using it. After that, slather a thin coating on the item and roll it in the seasoned flour or crumbs. Mayo works best with chicken and fish; you won’t notice it after the food is ready.

What Does an Egg Do in Frying Batter?

Egg proteins mix with flour to contain moisture in the dish and prevent oil absorption during frying. And the egg yolk boosted the suppleness of the flour, resulting in a crisper outcome and an appealing golden-yellow color.

Is a Vegan Egg Substitute Available?

There are a variety of vegan egg substitutes for frying on the market. Some alternatives have been specifically developed to replace eggs, particularly in recipes that call for them as an essential component, such as quiche. Others are household staples, while others are specialty foods you may purchase at health food stores. 

In baking, you can use applesauce and pumpkin puree as beneficial replacements for eggs and other egg replacers instead of eggs in casseroles.

Person holding a spider strainer

Parting Words

In conclusion, you can use a variety of egg alternatives for frying in the kitchen. These egg substitutes can be an excellent alternative to traditional eggs. There are numerous inventive ways to replace eggs in fried foods, such as silken tofu, mashed bananas, aquafaba, and flaxseed. 

Also, none of these alternatives compromise the taste or texture of the dish. These egg alternatives provide a fantastic opportunity to explore new culinary options and broaden your horizons in the kitchen. The results will not disappoint you.

Moreover, if you want to lower your cholesterol consumption, stick to a plant-based diet or simply try out some new ingredients. Why not try to see how these egg-citing alternatives can take your frying game to new levels?