Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Who says you can’t enjoy wings without the meat? These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are crispy, flavorful, and packed with all the spicy goodness of traditional buffalo wings—but completely plant-based! Coated in a perfectly spiced buffalo sauce and roasted to crispy perfection, these cauliflower wings make the ideal snack for game day, a fun party appetizer, or even a healthy side dish for any meal. Trust me, whether you’re vegan or not, these will blow your taste buds away!

Why You’ll Love Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Crispy and Flavorful: Just like the classic buffalo wings, these cauliflower wings are crispy on the outside with a tender, flavorful interior that’s totally satisfying.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt down any hard-to-find ingredients—this recipe uses pantry staples that you probably already have!
• Perfect for Parties: These are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch as everyone digs in without even realizing they’re eating veggies!
• Vegan and Healthy: Made without any dairy or meat, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional wings while still delivering on flavor and crunch.
• Customizable Heat: Whether you love your wings extra hot or prefer something milder, this recipe can be adjusted to your desired spice level.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you’ll need:

• Cauliflower: The star of the dish! A head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets.
• Flour: To create a crispy, flavorful batter. All-purpose flour works well, but feel free to use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
• Plant-Based Milk: You can use almond, soy, oat, or any plant-based milk of your choice.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory base flavor to the batter.
• Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and adds depth to the flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Gives a slight kick of heat to the batter. Adjust according to how spicy you like your wings!
• Paprika: For a smokier flavor and a beautiful color.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together.
• Buffalo Sauce: The key ingredient for that tangy, spicy kick! Use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce, or make your own for a more personalized touch.
• Vegan Butter: To toss the cauliflower in before coating with buffalo sauce, adding richness to the wings.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cauliflower wings from sticking.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re all relatively the same size for even cooking.

3. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping off, but not too thick.

4. Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the floret on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the cauliflower is coated.

5. Bake the Cauliflower
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.

6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo sauce until combined. Adjust the heat level by adding more buffalo sauce or a touch of cayenne if desired.

7. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
Once the cauliflower wings are baked to crispy perfection, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat them evenly.

8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese (both can be found in vegan versions too!), and enjoy the spicy, crispy, tangy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 170
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 5g

How to Serve Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

These wings are the perfect appetizer or snack, but they also work well as a side or a main dish if you’re craving something filling:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with vegan ranch, vegan blue cheese dressing, or a creamy avocado dip for an extra indulgent touch.
• On a Salad: Add these cauliflower wings on top of a crunchy salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Wrap it Up: Make a wrap with some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce for a fun handheld meal.
• With Veggies: Pair with carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices to add some freshness and balance out the heat.

Additional Tips

• Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can cook the cauliflower wings at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you an even crispier texture!
• Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the battered cauliflower florets in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cauliflower and batter ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just coat the florets in batter, refrigerate, and bake them the next day when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or buffalo sauce. You can also add some honey or maple syrup to balance out the heat if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cauliflower wings gluten-free?
A1: Yes! You can use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cauliflower wings gluten-free.

Q2: How can I make these wings spicier?
A2: Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the batter or the buffalo sauce for more heat.

Q3: Can I make the buffalo sauce from scratch?
A3: Absolutely! You can combine hot sauce, vegan butter, and a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar to make your own buffalo sauce.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness.

Q5: Can I freeze these cauliflower wings?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the battered cauliflower wings before baking them. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q6: Can I make the buffalo sauce milder?
A6: Yes! Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add a bit of maple syrup to balance the heat if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q7: What can I use as a dipping sauce?
A7: Try serving with vegan ranch, vegan blue cheese dressing, or an avocado-based dip for a creamy complement to the heat.

Q8: How do I make these wings crispier?
A8: For extra crispiness, you can coat the cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs before baking, or cook them in an air fryer for a crispier result.

Q9: Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
A9: Fresh cauliflower works best, but if you need to use frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier without using hot sauce?
A10: You can add chili flakes, jalapeños, or smoked paprika to increase the heat and depth of flavor without relying on hot sauce.

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Conclusion

These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. They’re crispy, spicy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will hit the spot. So go ahead, give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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