Description

Buffalo Tempeh Tenders are a crispy, spicy, and satisfying vegan twist on classic buffalo wings. Made with breaded tempeh, buffalo sauce, and cooked in the air fryer or oven, these plant-based tenders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots for the ultimate game-day platter.

Ingredients

8 oz package tempeh

1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk

1 cup plain or panko bread crumbs

~1 cup buffalo sauce

For serving: ranch or blue cheese (dairy-free if vegan), celery, and carrots

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Instructions

Slice the tempeh in half widthwise, then in half again, and cut into strips (about 12 pieces).
Prepare two bowls—one with non-dairy milk and one with bread crumbs. Dip each tempeh strip into the milk, shake off excess, then coat in bread crumbs.
Place coated strips in an air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes for crispiness. Oven option: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until crisp.
Dip cooked strips into buffalo sauce, coating well but shaking off excess. For extra crispiness, return to the air fryer for 4–5 minutes.
Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrots on the side.

Notes

Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ or teriyaki for variety.
Add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to breadcrumbs for more flavor.
Double-coat for extra crunch (milk + breadcrumbs twice).
Best served fresh—avoid freezing for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer / Oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tenders
Calories: 240
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg