10 Crispy Vegan Drumsticks Recipe

Holy tempeh, Batman! We’re about to embark on a crispy, savory adventure that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. I’ve teamed up with some brilliant vegan chefs to bring you 10 mind-blowing vegan drumstick recipes that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about plant-based eating. From classic “chicken” flavors to exotic twists, we’ve got options to satisfy every craving. The best part? These recipes are so simple, you could probably make them blindfolded (but please don’t, safety first!). So grab your apron, crank up some tunes, and let’s get cooking!

Seitan “Chicken” Drumsticks

Alright, let’s kick things off with a classic, shall we?

These bad boys are the OG of vegan drumsticks.

Made with seitan (aka wheat gluten), these drumsticks have a meaty texture that’ll fool even your most carnivorous friends.

Trust me, I once served these at a BBQ, and my uncle – who thinks tofu is the devil’s sponge – ate three before I told him they were vegan.

His face was PRICELESS.

To make these, you’ll knead together wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and spices, then wrap the mixture around skewers to form drumstick shapes.

Steam them, then fry or bake until crispy.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and prepare for mind-blown dinner guests.

BBQ Jackfruit Drumsticks

Move over, pulled pork! Jackfruit is the new sheriff in town.

These BBQ jackfruit drumsticks are so good, they should be illegal.

Seriously, I’m pretty sure I heard them whispering “eat me” from the fridge at 2 AM.

To create these beauties, you’ll drain and shred canned jackfruit, then mix it with BBQ sauce and spices.

Form the mixture into drumstick shapes around skewers, coat in breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy.

The result? A tangy, smoky, crispy delight that’ll have you licking your fingers shamelessly.

Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Cauliflower? In MY vegan drumsticks?”

But hear me out – these cauliflower buffalo “wings” are so good, they might just convert you to the Church of Cruciferous Vegetables.

You’ll start by cutting cauliflower into wing-sized pieces and coating them in a spiced batter.

Bake until crispy, then toss in Buffalo sauce.

Serve with vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks for the full wing experience.

Warning: May cause spontaneous happy dances and declarations of undying love for cauliflower.

Mushroom and Lentil Drumsticks

Get ready for a umami explosion in your mouth!

These mushroom and lentil drumsticks are so savory, you might forget vegetables even exist.

Combine cooked lentils with sautéed mushrooms, breadcrumbs, and spices.

Form into drumstick shapes, coat in more breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy.

I once made these for a dinner party, and my friend’s cat tried to steal one off the plate.

If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Tofu “Chicken” Drumsticks

Ah, tofu. The Swiss Army knife of vegan proteins.

These tofu “chicken” drumsticks are proof that with the right seasoning and technique, tofu can be downright magical.

Press extra-firm tofu, then marinate in a mixture of plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and poultry seasoning.

Coat in seasoned flour and fry until golden and crispy.

Serve with gravy for a comfort food experience that’ll make you want to call your mom and thank her for… well, everything.

Tempeh Teriyaki Drumsticks

Ready for a flavor vacation to Japan?

These tempeh teriyaki drumsticks are about to take your taste buds on a first-class trip.

Slice tempeh into drumstick shapes, then marinate in a homemade teriyaki sauce.

Grill or pan-fry until crispy and caramelized.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for that Insta-worthy finish.

Fair warning: You might find yourself bowing and saying “arigato” to your plate.

Chickpea and Zucchini Fritters

Who says drumsticks have to be, well, drumstick-shaped?

These chickpea and zucchini fritters are the rebels of our list, and they’re here to shake things up.

Mash chickpeas and grated zucchini with flour, spices, and a flax egg.

Form into patties and fry until golden and crispy.

Serve with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist that’ll transport you straight to a Greek island.

(Sadly, it won’t actually teleport you. I tried. Multiple times.)

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Croquettes

Sweet potato and black beans – name a more iconic duo. I’ll wait.

These croquettes are like the superhero team-up of the vegan world.

Together, they fight blandness and defeat boring dinners!

Mash cooked sweet potatoes with black beans, corn, and spices.

Form into croquettes, coat in breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy.

Serve with avocado crema for a fiesta in your mouth.

Ole!

Eggplant Parmesan Sticks

Eggplant parmesan, but make it handheld.

These eggplant parmesan sticks are what would happen if Italian cuisine and finger food had a beautiful, delicious baby.

Slice eggplant into sticks, coat in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy.

Top with marinara sauce and vegan mozzarella, then broil until melty.

Serve with extra marinara for dipping and prepare for a serious case of the “mmm”s.

Crispy Seasoned Tofu Strips

Last but certainly not least, we have these crispy seasoned tofu strips.

They’re like the cool, sophisticated cousin of chicken fingers – you know, the one who studied abroad and came back with a slight accent.

Press and slice extra-firm tofu, then marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and spices.

Coat in cornstarch and pan-fry until crispy.

Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping and try not to fight over the last piece.

(Or do. I’m not here to judge your tofu-induced battles.)

And there you have it, folks! Ten crispy vegan drumstick recipes that’ll make your carnivore friends green with envy (and maybe a little curious).

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or just dipping your toes into the plant-based pool, these recipes are sure to spice up your dinner routine.

So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start experimenting!

And remember, if at first you don’t succeed, order takeout and try again tomorrow.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the perfect vegan drumstick.

Happy cooking, and may the crispy force be with you!