If you’re craving the crispy, flavorful goodness of classic wings but want to keep things plant-based, this best vegan wing recipe is your new go-to. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these wings are made from wholesome ingredients that deliver all the satisfaction without any animal products.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a delicious appetizer, or simply want to enjoy a tasty snack, these vegan wings will impress everyone at the table.
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of a savory seasoning blend and a sticky, spicy sauce that clings to each wing. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare with simple pantry staples and can be baked or air-fried to your preference.
Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that even meat-eaters will ask for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan wing recipe is:
- Deliciously crispy without deep frying, using baking or air frying techniques.
- Versatile – toss them in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or any glaze you love.
- Nutritious – packed with protein and fiber from plant-based ingredients like vital wheat gluten and chickpeas.
- Easy to customize to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack (optional, for crispier wings)
- Mixing spoons or spatula
- Air fryer (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if you have one.
- Prepare the chickpea base: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, vegetable broth, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and flour.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the chickpea mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir well until a dough forms. Knead with your hands for 2-3 minutes until elastic and firm. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Shape the wings: Tear off small pieces of dough and shape them into wing-like pieces, about 2-3 inches long. Try to make them roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Prepare the breading stations: Place the plant milk in one bowl. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the wings: Dip each wing first into the plant milk, then coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
- Bake or air fry: For baking, cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Coat with sauce: Once cooked, toss the wings in your choice of buffalo or BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
For extra crispy wings, use a wire rack when baking so air circulates around each piece.
You can easily customize this recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute vital wheat gluten with extra chickpea flour or a gluten-free seitan alternative, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Different Sauces: Try tossing your wings in Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce or a tangy BBQ glaze for variety.
- Extra Heat: Add more cayenne or hot sauce to the batter or sauce for a spicy kick.
- Air Fryer Magic: Air frying gives a crunchier texture with less oil — perfect for quick snacks.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and shape wings, freeze them raw on a tray, then bake or fry straight from frozen.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (6 wings) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 15g |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 6g |
Sodium | 550mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan wings are incredibly versatile. Serve them up with classic accompaniments like celery sticks and carrot fingers alongside a creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the spice.
For a full meal, pair your wings with crispy fries or a fresh green salad. If you want to try something different, these wings also shine when served with a tangy coleslaw or a warm bowl of Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe (veganized, of course!).
And don’t forget dessert! After enjoying your wings, cool down with a scoop of creamy and rich Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream for the perfect finish.
Conclusion
This best vegan wing recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy classic wing flavors in a compassionate, plant-based way. The texture is satisfyingly meaty, the flavors bold, and the cooking process straightforward, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or party snacks.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring more plant-based meals, these wings deliver on taste and nutrition without compromise. Plus, with endless sauce options and easy meal prep potential, you can make them your own time and again.
Enjoy this recipe as your new favorite appetizer or snack, and don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on our site to complement your plant-based lifestyle!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Wing Recipe
Description: Crispy, flavorful vegan wings made from cauliflower and a spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk plant-based milk, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets into batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place coated florets on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix buffalo hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a large bowl.
- Toss baked cauliflower wings in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Return wings to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 22g
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