Irresistible Vegan Buffalo Seitan Wings: Your Guide to a Healthier, Spicy Plant-Based Treat

Are you searching for a genuinely satisfying, spicy, and savory vegan alternative to traditional Buffalo Wings? Look no further! These Buffalo Seitan Wings are a game-changer for plant-based enthusiasts and anyone craving that classic buffalo flavor without meat. They are not just a substitute; they are a star in their own right, delivering incredible taste and texture that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Buffalo Seitan Wings have emerged as a popular and beloved vegan interpretation of the classic American appetizer. Crafted from seitan, a wheat-based protein, these wings mimic the chewiness and substantial feel of chicken, making them an ideal canvas for the tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce. This particular recipe keeps health in mind, offering a delicious experience at just 7 Weight Watchers (WW) points per serving, proving that indulgent flavors can also be mindful.

To embark on your journey to create these delectable vegan Buffalo Wings, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients: vital wheat gluten (the base for homemade seitan), fiery hot sauce, rich vegan butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. While crafting seitan from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows for complete control over texture and flavor, many well-stocked grocery stores now offer pre-made seitan, providing a convenient shortcut for busy cooks. For this recipe, we harness the power of an Air Fryer. This modern kitchen appliance ensures your Buffalo Seitan Wings achieve a desirable crispy exterior without the excess calories and fat associated with deep-frying. Once golden and perfectly sauced, serve your Vegan Buffalo Wings with your preferred cooling dip, such as a creamy vegan ranch or a zesty blue cheese dressing, accompanied by crisp celery and carrot sticks for that quintessential Buffalo Wing experience!

Why These Buffalo Seitan Wings Are a Must-Try

Diving into the world of plant-based cooking can be exciting, especially when you discover recipes that stand toe-to-toe with their traditional counterparts. This Buffalo Seitan Wings recipe offers several compelling reasons to make it a staple in your kitchen.

• A Healthier Plant-Based Indulgence: These Vegan Buffalo Wings are more than just a delicious and satisfying snack; they are an excellent source of plant-based protein. Seitan, derived from wheat gluten, is remarkably high in protein and naturally low in fat, making it an outstanding choice for individuals looking to boost their protein intake while adhering to a plant-based diet. While seitan itself is nutritious, its contribution to a healthy diet and weight management largely depends on its preparation. Many recipes can load seitan with calories through excessive fats and oils. However, our Buffalo Seitan Wings are specifically designed to be air-fried with minimal oil, ensuring a crispy texture while keeping the calorie count in check. We also use just two tablespoons of vegan unsalted butter for that iconic, luscious Buffalo sauce, allowing you to stay full and satisfied longer without compromise. This mindful preparation makes seitan a valuable component of a balanced weight loss diet when consumed in moderation.
• Unforgettable Flavor and Texture: Prepare your taste buds for an incredible journey! Buffalo Seitan Wings boast a complex flavor profile – spicy from the hot sauce, tangy from vinegar, and savory from the carefully selected spices. But it’s not just the flavor; the texture is equally impressive. When prepared correctly, seitan achieves a remarkably meat-like, chewy consistency that closely mimics traditional chicken wings. This satisfying chewiness, combined with a perfectly crispy exterior from air frying, makes these wings a truly enjoyable and gratifying alternative that will satisfy any craving. The versatility of seitan allows it to absorb marinades and sauces wonderfully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Endless Versatility: One of the most appealing aspects of Buffalo Seitan Wings is their incredible versatility. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation, but you are the chef! You can effortlessly customize the heat level of the sauce to match your preference – add more hot sauce for a fiery kick or reduce it for a milder experience. Beyond heat, don’t shy away from experimenting with different spice blends. Introduce a smoky paprika, a hint of cumin, or a touch of cayenne pepper to create your unique flavor profile. This adaptability means you can revisit this recipe countless times, always discovering new twists to delight your palate. Your taste buds, and your health, will undoubtedly thank you for the delicious exploration!
• Accessible and Easy to Make: Despite sounding gourmet, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and uses readily available ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or just beginning your plant-based journey, you’ll find the steps easy to follow. Making seitan from scratch is a fun and educational process, but if time is of the essence, pre-made seitan works wonderfully. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, making it a quick and mess-free way to achieve perfectly crispy results.

Buffalo Seitan Wings Recipe Overview

Here’s a quick glance at what it takes to bring these fantastic vegan wings to life:

Prep time: 10 min

Cooking time: 55 min

Total time: 1 hr. 5 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Wings:

For the Homemade Seitan Wings:

• 1 cup vital wheat gluten
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, preferably freshly ground
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning mix (use your favorite store-bought or refer below for a homemade recipe)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the Irresistible Vegan Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
• 2 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp vegan unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp agave syrup (or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness)

How to make homemade poultry seasoning mix:

To craft your own aromatic poultry seasoning blend, combine 1/4 tsp of dried ground sage, 1/2 tsp of dried ground coriander seeds, 1/4 tsp of ground cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp of dried ground marjoram, 1/4 tsp of freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp of dried ground bay leaf, and a pinch of finely grated nutmeg. This blend adds depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the seitan’s texture.

How to Make Vegan Buffalo Wings (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly saucy and crispy Buffalo Seitan Wings:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, whisk together the vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and your chosen poultry seasoning mix. Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even flavor distribution.
2. Form the Dough: Gradually add the vegetable broth and tahini to the dry mixture. Stir with a sturdy rubber spatula, bringing the ingredients together until a cohesive dough ball begins to form. This process should be relatively quick, as vital wheat gluten absorbs liquid rapidly.
3. Knead for Texture: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it with your hands for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic chewy texture of seitan. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, incorporate additional vegetable broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a firm but pliable consistency. It should feel somewhat elastic and hold its shape.
4. Shape the Wings: Divide the dough and form it into nugget or wing-like shapes, approximately 2 inches in size. You can aim for irregular shapes to mimic the natural look of chicken wings. For a more authentic look, some prefer to insert a small, food-safe stick (like a pretzel stick or wooden skewer) into one end before cooking, creating a “bone” effect.
5. Boil the Seitan: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil (approximately 5 cups should be sufficient to submerge the seitan pieces). Carefully add the shaped seitan wings to the boiling water, then immediately reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Allow them to cook gently for 40 to 45 minutes. This boiling process cooks the seitan thoroughly and helps achieve its tender, chewy interior.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the seitan wings are simmering, combine all the vegan buffalo sauce ingredients (hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegan unsalted butter, and agave syrup) in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the vegan butter has melted and all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
7. Drain and Prep for Air Frying: Once the seitan wings are cooked, carefully remove them from the water and place them on a layer of paper towels. Gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture; this step is key for achieving a crispy air-fried exterior. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the seitan wings and toss to coat lightly. Arrange the wings in a single layer in your Air Fryer cooking basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
8. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Air fry the prepared seitan wings at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color and develop a crispy crust. The exact time may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
9. Sauce and Serve: Once crispy, transfer the hot seitan wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm Vegan Buffalo Sauce over them and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly on all sides. Serve immediately with your favorite cooling dips and veggie sticks, and enjoy this fantastic plant-based take on a classic!

 

Buffalo Seitan Wings Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize these Buffalo Seitan Wings to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Alternative Plant-Based Bases: Seitan, a protein-rich, wheat-based meat substitute, is the traditional foundation for Buffalo Seitan Wings due to its incredible texture. However, if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, or simply want to explore other options, you can successfully substitute seitan with other fantastic meat alternatives.
  • Soy Curls: These textured soy protein pieces absorb flavors beautifully and crisp up wonderfully. Rehydrate them, season, and then follow the air frying and saucing steps.
  • Tempeh: This fermented soybean block has a firm texture. Steam it first to remove bitterness, then cut into wing-like shapes, marinate, and proceed with air frying.
  • Tofu: Extra-firm or super-firm tofu works best. Press out as much water as possible, cut into desired shapes, marinate, and then bake or air fry until crispy before tossing in sauce.
  • Mushroom Wings: Large oyster mushrooms or king oyster mushroom stems can be shredded or cut to mimic wing shapes, offering a different earthy flavor and tender texture.
• Diverse Sauce Variations: While the classic Buffalo sauce (hot sauce and butter) is unbeatable, the world of flavors is vast. Experiment with different sauces to transform your wings entirely.
  • Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce (ensure it’s vegan) can offer a comforting alternative.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: For a sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy glaze.
  • Teriyaki Sauce: A savory, umami-rich option that pairs wonderfully with the seitan.
  • Garlic Parmesan: Combine vegan butter with roasted garlic and vegan parmesan for a rich, savory coating.
  • Lemon Pepper: A zesty and tangy option created with lemon juice, zest, and plenty of black pepper.
  • Mango Habanero: For those who love a fruity and fiery kick, blend fresh mango with habanero peppers.
• Adjusting the Spice Level: Easily tailor the heat of your wings.
  • Increase Heat: Use a spicier hot sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of ghost pepper powder for the truly adventurous.
  • Decrease Heat: Opt for a milder hot sauce, or increase the amount of vegan butter and agave syrup in the sauce to mellow the spice. You can also add a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese to the sauce for a creamy, cooling effect.
  • Spice Blends: Mix in additional spices like smoked paprika for depth, cumin for earthy notes, or onion powder for extra savoriness, to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: While air frying is recommended for its health benefits and crispiness, you have other options.
  • Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the boiled and oiled seitan wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. This method also provides excellent results.
  • Pan-Frying/Sautéing: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the boiled seitan wings in a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy on all sides. This method is quicker for browning but might require a bit more oil.
  • Grilling: For a smoky flavor, you can lightly oil and grill the seitan wings after boiling until they have nice char marks and are heated through.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Seitan Wings

Achieving restaurant-quality Buffalo Seitan Wings at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Quality Seitan is Key: The foundation of exceptional Buffalo Seitan Wings is high-quality seitan. If you’re making your own, pay attention to the kneading process; it’s crucial for developing a firm, chewy, and satisfying texture. When boiling, ensure the seitan is cooked through but not overcooked, which can make it rubbery. If buying pre-made seitan, select a brand known for its good texture. To make your Buffalo Seitan Wings visually appealing and truly resemble traditional wings, take the time to cut the seitan into irregular, wing-shaped pieces. This enhances the overall eating experience.
• Optimal Cooking for Crispy Perfection: For this recipe, air frying is highly recommended over traditional oven baking or deep frying. The air fryer excels at creating an incredibly crispy exterior with a significantly reduced amount of oil, making for a healthier and less messy cooking process. If an air fryer isn’t available, pan-frying in a nonstick or grill pan with a minimal amount of oil is your next best bet to achieve a delightful crisp. If using an oven, crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C) and ensure a single layer on your baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
• Serve Immediately for Best Experience: Buffalo Seitan Wings are undeniably at their peak when served immediately after cooking and saucing. This ensures you enjoy their crispy texture and piping hot, flavorful coating. If you need to keep them warm for a short period before serving, avoid stacking them, which can trap steam and make them soggy. Instead, arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and place them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 90°C). If you have an air fryer with a “Keep Warm” function, this is also an excellent option.
• Perfect Pairings and Dips: While vegan ranch and blue cheese are classic accompaniments, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces. A simple cashew cream dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a sweet and tangy plum sauce can elevate the experience. Don’t forget the crisp, cooling crudités like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and even cucumber slices to balance the heat.
• Meal Prep and Storage: You can prepare the seitan wings in advance by boiling and then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, pat them dry, air fry, and toss in freshly made sauce. Leftover sauced wings can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, air fry them again at a slightly lower temperature (e.g., 350°F / 175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and re-crisped, or bake them in a hot oven.

Related Vegan Delights:

If you’re as enthusiastic about plant-based comfort food as we are, you’ll love these other recipes:

The Best Buffalo Cauliflower Wings – Another fantastic veggie-centric take on the buffalo classic.

The Tastiest Vegan Chicken Nuggets You Can Find – Perfect for a quick snack or a family-friendly meal.

For even more inspiring vegan meal ideas, explore all our vegan recipes here. And if you share our obsession with the bold flavors of Buffalo sauce, be sure to check out our extensive collection of Buffalo recipes!