INTRODUCTION
Vegan Jackfruit Wings are a fun, tasty, and lighter option when you want a plant-based snack that feels like comfort food. The jackfruit has a pulled texture that works well as a wing substitute. This recipe can be baked, fried, or made in the air fryer to keep it low calorie and crisp. If you want other healthy baked treats, try the best healthy vegan gluten-free banana bread for an easy dessert or breakfast that fits a balanced plan.
These vegan wings are perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, and people who want a healthy version of a classic fried snack.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these Vegan Jackfruit Wings because they give the feel of wings without meat or heavy fat. They are a lighter option that is great for meal prep. You can bake them for low calorie meals or air fry them for a crisp finish with less oil. When you serve them with a fiber-rich salad or a bean side, the meal can feel balanced and filling.
This recipe is easy and flexible. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten free version. Make a larger batch for meal prep, then reheat for quick lunches. They can help people who want to eat less fat and calories while enjoying bold flavors. The recipe also fits diabetic-friendly needs when you use a low-sugar sauce.
HOW TO MAKE Vegan Jackfruit Wings
This section shows a clear way to make the wings. The steps are simple. Use the ingredients below and follow the method to get crispy, saucy vegan wings you can enjoy right away.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet and parchment paper (for oven method)
- Shallow bowls for dredging and breading
- Frying pan with oil (optional for frying)
- Tongs or fork for turning pieces
- Air fryer (optional)
- Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
- Paper towels for draining (if frying)
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 can young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed, 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, 1 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk, 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko, 1 cup BBQ sauce (or sauce of choice), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper to taste, Oil for frying (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If frying, prepare a frying pan with oil over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, pour the almond milk. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Pull apart the jackfruit chunks into wing-like pieces.
- Dip each jackfruit piece into the flour mixture, then into the almond milk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- For baking: Place the coated jackfruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. For frying: Fry each piece until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toss the hot jackfruit wings in BBQ sauce or your favorite sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan wings!
HOW TO SERVE Vegan Jackfruit Wings
Serve the wings hot with simple sides that add fiber and protein. A side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes is a light and healthy choice. Add a scoop of cooked quinoa, lentils, or edamame to make a balanced, high protein meal. Portion control matters: aim for 4–6 jackfruit wings per person as a snack and 8–10 for a main with sides.
For a low calorie and diabetic-friendly plate, skip sugary sauces and use a light BBQ or a vinegar-based hot sauce. If you want a more filling meal that is still healthy, pair the wings with roasted vegetables and a small portion of brown rice.
If you like hearty pasta sides, try pairing a plate with the creamy, veggie-forward creamy vegan sun-dried tomato pasta to make a satisfying plant-based dinner.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Vegan Jackfruit Wings
Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. For longer storage, freeze the baked or fried wings on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 8–10 minutes.
Tip: Do not leave the wings at room temperature longer than two hours. For food safety and to keep them fresh, refrigerate promptly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Light, balanced plate: 6 wings, a cup of mixed greens, and ½ cup cooked quinoa for a high protein meal.
- Low calorie option: Bake wings and serve with steamed broccoli and a lemon-yogurt dip made from plant yogurt.
- Diabetic-friendly plate: Use a low-sugar sauce, add a side salad, and keep portion sizes small.
- Kid-friendly: Serve with carrot sticks and a mild dipping sauce.
These wings are great for meal prep. Make a batch, portion into containers with a grain and a green veggie, and you have ready lunches for the week.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Bake or use an air fryer for a lighter option. Swap regular breadcrumbs for air-popped panko or crushed cornflakes and use a low-sugar BBQ sauce to lower calories. This keeps the dish a healthy version of wings with less oil.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Use a chickpea flour batter and coat with crushed roasted chickpeas or hemp hearts mixed with almond flour. Serve with a high-protein side like lentil salad or edamame to make the meal feel more like a high protein meal. For low-carb, serve the wings with cauliflower rice and a green salad.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: For the air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp. For oven-baked, follow the baking step above and finish with a quick broil for extra crunch.
- Flavor variations: Swap BBQ for buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or a smoky garlic glaze. Add nutritional yeast to the breadcrumb mix for a savory boost.
If you want a warm, filling main to go with these wings on a cold day, try the cozy creamy vegan tomato white bean stew as a hearty companion.
FAQs
Q1: Are Vegan Jackfruit Wings healthy?
A1: Yes. When you bake or air fry them and use a low-sugar sauce, these wings are a healthy version of fried food. They are lower in fat and calories than deep-fried chicken wings. Adding a side of greens and a protein-rich grain makes a balanced meal.
Q2: How many calories are in a serving of jackfruit wings?
A2: Calories vary by method and sauce. Baked wings with light oil and low-sugar BBQ can be a low calorie choice compared to fried wings. Use portion control and lighter sauces to help with weight loss goals.
Q3: Are these wings gluten free?
A3: You can make them gluten free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko. The flavor and crunch stay good with gluten-free swaps.
Q4: Can I eat these if I am watching blood sugar or on a diabetic-friendly plan?
A4: Yes. To keep them diabetic-friendly, use a low-sugar sauce, avoid deep frying, and serve with non-starchy sides like salad and roasted vegetables. Portion size also matters for blood sugar control.
Q5: How long will leftover wings last in the fridge?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
Q6: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
A6: Yes. You can bake a batch and store portions in the fridge. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for a crisp finish. See the make-ahead tips below for details.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Vegan Jackfruit Wings
- Prep the jackfruit: Drain, rinse, and pull the jackfruit into pieces a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Dry breading: Do the breading step and place pieces on a tray lined with parchment. Cover loosely and refrigerate up to one day. Bake or air fry the next day for fresh crispiness.
- Sauce separate: Keep the sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge and toss wings right before serving. This keeps the breading from getting soggy.
- Full meal prep: Portion wings with a grain and vegetables into meal prep containers. Keep the sauce in a small separate container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep texture. These are great for meal prep and save time on busy days.
Notes on diet and health: These wings can be part of a weight loss plan when baked and served with fiber-rich sides. They are a lighter option to fried wings and work well in meal prep plans. Adjust the sauce and breading to control calories, sugar, and carbs.
Enjoy these Vegan Jackfruit Wings as a satisfying plant-based treat that fits many healthy eating goals.
Print
Vegan Jackfruit Wings
Delicious vegan wings made from jackfruit, offering a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit in brine, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (or sauce of choice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. If frying, prepare a frying pan with oil over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the almond milk.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Pull apart the jackfruit chunks into wing-like pieces.
- Dip each jackfruit piece into the flour mixture, then into the almond milk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- For baking: Place the coated jackfruit on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For frying: Fry each piece until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toss the hot jackfruit wings in BBQ sauce or your favorite sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan wings!
Notes
These wings can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Pair with a fiber-rich salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 wings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan wings, jackfruit, plant-based snack, gluten-free, healthy appetizer
