Breaded Soy Curl Sandwiches
A lightly breaded and air-fried soy curl sandwich inspired by the drive-thru classic.
Test Kitchen Recipe
This recipe is actively being tested and refined and is subject to change.
Breaded Soy Curls:
1 cup
plant milk (ideally soy)
2 tsp
lemon juice
2
ounces soy curls
1 tbsp
cornmeal
1 tbsp
all-purpose flour
1 tbsp
panko bread crumbs
1/4 + 1/8 tsp
sea salt
1/4 tsp
granulated onion
1/4 tsp
granulated garlic
1/4 + 1/8 tsp
paprika
1/8 tsp
black pepper
pinch
celery seeds
To Assemble:
Bottom bun
Plant-based mayo
Black pepper, to taste
Iceberg lettuce (or similar such as butter lettuce)
Breaded soy curls
Top bun
- Add plant milk and lemon juice to a small saucepan over medium heat to create a buttermilk-style mixture.
- Add dry soy curls, stir, and simmer over low heat until most liquid is absorbed and evaporated.
- Turn off heat and let soy curls cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, panko, salt, onion, garlic, paprika, pepper, and celery seeds. Double the breading (except salt) if you love breading.
- Add warm soy curls to the breading bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 390–400°F.
- Air fry coated soy curls for about 6 minutes, until lightly crisp and flavorful.
- Assemble sandwiches with bottom bun, mayo, plenty of black pepper, lettuce, breaded soy curls, and the top bun. Toasting inside of buns is optional but recommended.
• Prep: 30 mins • Cook: 10 mins • Total: 40 mins
Makes 3 small sandwiches
Kitchen & Pantry Picks
Butler soy curlsSoymilk (plain, unsweetened)PaprikaBlack pepperCelery seedsMayoAir fryerSmall saucepanMixing bowl
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Notes from Craig
Microwaving the assembled sandwich for 10 seconds or so enhances the classic fast-food feel. The breaded soy curls are lightly coated by design, aiming for a simple, chicken-style texture rather than a heavy fried crust.