If you are craving a snack that packs a punch of flavor without any guilt, this Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that perfectly mimics the classic flavor we all love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night of comfort food, these cauliflower wings offer a vibrant and healthful alternative that satisfies wing cravings in the most deliciously plant-based way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating crispy, flavorful vegan buffalo cauliflower wings. From the sturdy cauliflower base to the combination of spices and sauces, every item adds to the perfect balance of heat, texture, and taste.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower: The star of the dish, providing a hearty, vegetable base with a satisfying bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free): This helps create the crispy batter that clings perfectly to the cauliflower.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk works here, keeping the batter smooth and dairy-free.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that’s essential for the savory flavor foundation.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic powder and boosts the flavor without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika): Brings a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the batter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and seasoning touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect for those who love an extra kick of heat.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce: Choose your favorite brand like Frank’s RedHot for that classic buffalo sauce tang.
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted: Makes the sauce luxuriously rich and helps it stick beautifully to the cauliflower.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the heat.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional): Introduces a bright tang that layers nicely with the hot sauce.
How to Make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is what helps the cauliflower get that crispy, golden-brown finish we’re after. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
Carefully cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Keeping the pieces roughly the same size ensures even cooking, so nobody ends up with an undercooked or burnt wing.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic and onion powders, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want some extra fire. The batter should be thick enough to coat the florets but still pourable—add a touch more milk if you find it too stiff.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess batter before placing the floret on your prepared baking sheet. This step is where the crispy magic begins!
Step 5: Bake the Cauliflower
Pop the coated cauliflower into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip each floret so both sides get that gorgeous golden brown color and satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and tweak the balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy to suit your palate.
Step 7: Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce
Once your cauliflower is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven and carefully toss the florets in the buffalo sauce. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating—it’s this sauce that takes these wings from tasty to addictive.
Step 8: Return to the Oven
Place the sauced-up cauliflower back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce set, making the wings even crispier and intensely flavorful.
How to Serve Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright pop of color and freshness that counters the spicy heat perfectly. Sprinkle them on top right before serving for that eye-catching finish.
Side Dishes
This Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe pairs wonderfully with cooling vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dips, crunchy celery sticks, or even a refreshing coleslaw. These sides balance the spice and contribute contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your wings on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful serving tray to impress guests. You can also serve them in individual cups with dipping sauces at the bottom for a fun finger food experience at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a great option for meal prep or a quick snack later on.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the wings on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their texture better this way and can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour or your favorite gluten-free blend. This change still achieves a great batter consistency and keeps the wings crispy.
What’s the best hot sauce for this recipe?
Classic Frank’s RedHot is a favorite due to its balanced heat and flavor, but you can use any hot sauce you like. For milder wings, go easy on the amount or choose a less spicy option.
Can I air-fry these wings instead of baking?
Yes, air frying works wonderfully and yields extra crispy wings. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Are these cauliflower wings really spicy?
The heat level depends on how much cayenne or hot sauce you add. You can adjust the spice to your liking, making it mild or fiery. The optional maple syrup also helps balance out any heat with a touch of sweetness.
What dipping sauces pair well with this Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe?
Vegan ranch or a creamy cashew-based blue cheese dressing are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with guacamole, hummus, or even a tangy tahini sauce for a new twist.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is a game-changer that anyone, regardless of their diet, can enjoy. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and satisfies those wing cravings without any meat or dairy. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon and watch as these crispy, spicy bites disappear faster than you can say buffalo!
Print
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted vegan butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food, they bring all the spicy, tangy, and savory elements you crave in a compassionate, dairy-free, and gluten-free friendly way.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly the same size to allow for even cooking throughout.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower well but still pourable; add a little more milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, fully coating it. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all florets are coated.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the florets halfway through baking to ensure they brown and crisp evenly on all sides.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup (if using), and apple cider vinegar (if using) in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the initial baking is complete, remove the cauliflower from the oven. Carefully toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until each piece is well coated. Use a large bowl or toss directly on the baking sheet if preferred.
- Return to the Oven: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This step helps the sauce set and creates an even crispier coating.
- Serve: Serve the vegan buffalo cauliflower wings hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce such as vegan ranch or vegan blue cheese dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper from the batter.
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup and vinegar in the sauce to match your preferred sweetness and tanginess levels.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
