These Jackfruit Vegan Wings in Buffalo Sauce offer a plant-powered twist on a classic favorite!
Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, they’re packed with protein from tofu and fiber from jackfruit, making them a satisfying, guilt-free snack.
With low saturated fat and wholesome ingredients, they’re perfect for quick weeknight cooking, meal prep, or a fun, shareable appetizer.
Crispy Jackfruit Vegan Wings in Buffalo Sauce
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
- 1 Steamer or steaming basket
- 1 large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 20 oz 600 g canned jackfruit in brine
- 7 oz 200 g firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 ½ cups vegan buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Tofu Base: Start by crumbling the firm tofu into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the apple cider vinegar and water, which help the tofu become silky smooth and slightly tangy. Using a blender or food processor, blend the tofu mixture until completely smooth and creamy. This tofu base will act as a binder, giving the wings a tender, cohesive texture. Set it aside while you work on the jackfruit.
- Shred and Prepare the Jackfruit: Open the can of jackfruit in brine and drain it thoroughly. Remove any hard cores or seeds, which can be tough to chew. Using your hands or two forks, shred each piece of jackfruit into thin, fibrous strips that resemble pulled chicken. The shredded jackfruit will provide a meaty texture that is perfect for vegan wings. Place the shredded jackfruit in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In the same large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, which will give your wings consistent flavor throughout.
- Combine Tofu and Jackfruit: Add the creamy tofu mixture to the bowl of shredded jackfruit and dry ingredients. Using your hands, gently knead the mixture until it forms a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. This step ensures that the tofu, jackfruit, and gluten bind together perfectly, creating a texture that mimics traditional chicken wings.
- Shape the Vegan Wings: Divide the dough into portions, roughly the size of traditional chicken wings or nuggets. Using your hands, shape each portion into an elongated wing shape, tapering the ends slightly for a more authentic look. Take your time in shaping to make sure each wing is uniform in size for even cooking.
- Steam the Wings for Tenderness: Set up a steamer or a large pot with a steaming basket. Arrange the shaped wings inside, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Steam the wings for 30 minutes. Steaming softens the gluten and jackfruit, giving the wings a tender, juicy interior while maintaining structure. Once done, remove them carefully and allow them to cool slightly before frying.
- Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour ¼ cup of vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Test the oil by adding a small piece of dough—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Properly heated oil ensures a crispy, golden exterior on your wings.
- Fry the Wings Until Golden: Place the steamed wings gently into the hot oil, frying them in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook each wing for 3–5 minutes per side, or until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to turn the wings carefully, ensuring all sides are evenly cooked without breaking their shape.
- Coat the Wings in Buffalo Sauce: Pour the vegan buffalo sauce into a large mixing bowl. Transfer the fried wings into the bowl and toss them gently until each wing is fully coated in the spicy, tangy sauce. Make sure the sauce clings to the wings for maximum flavor without making them soggy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Place the buffalo-coated wings on a serving platter. Serve immediately with plant-based ranch or vegan blue cheese sauce for dipping. These wings are perfect for sharing as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Enjoy the crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold buffalo flavor in every bite!
Notes
- These wings can be air-fried after steaming for 5–6 minutes at 380°F, turning halfway through. Lightly spritz with olive oil for a crispier exterior.
- If vegan buffalo sauce isn’t available, mix 1 cup hot sauce with ½ cup melted vegan butter and 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or vegan Worcestershire sauce.
- For batch cooking, shape and steam multiple wings, cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by frying or air-frying straight from frozen.
- Make sure to remove all seeds and hard cores from jackfruit to ensure a tender, even texture.
- Adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce to taste by adding more hot sauce for extra heat or a little maple syrup for mild sweetness.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Wings
The key to restaurant-style jackfruit wings lies in both texture and flavor.
Steaming the wings first softens the gluten and jackfruit, creating a tender, juicy interior, while frying or air-frying afterward ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
Don’t rush the shaping step—uniform wings cook more evenly.
For extra flavor, let the wings rest in the buffalo sauce for 5–10 minutes before serving; this allows the spices to fully infuse the wings.
Finally, use high-quality vegan butter or oil in the buffalo sauce for a rich, authentic taste.
Serving Suggestions With Delicious Pairings
Jackfruit vegan wings are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
Serve them with plant-based ranch or vegan blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Add crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices on the side for freshness.
They also make a fun appetizer for parties, a snack during game day, or a main course alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or whole-grain rice for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Storage Tips For Long-Term Use
These vegan wings store exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prep.
After cooking, allow the wings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For best results, reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.
If freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frying for the crispiest texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use young green jackfruit instead?
Yes! Young green jackfruit works perfectly in this recipe. Make sure it’s canned in brine, not syrup, and thoroughly drain it before shredding.
Removing seeds and core pieces ensures a tender texture similar to shredded chicken.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this version uses vital wheat gluten to create a meaty, chewy texture.
For a gluten-free option, substitute with chickpea flour or a blend of gluten-free flours, though the texture will be slightly different.
3. Can I bake the wings instead of frying?
Absolutely. After steaming, brush the wings with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
While they won’t be quite as crispy as frying, they will still be delicious and golden.
4. How spicy are the buffalo wings?
The heat depends on your buffalo sauce. Standard hot sauce gives a medium spice level, but you can adjust by adding more hot sauce for extra heat or reducing it for a milder flavor.
Maple syrup or vegan butter can help balance spiciness.
5. Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and steam the wings in advance, then cool completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Fry or air-fry just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
