Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Meet your new favorite snack and party appetizer: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings! These crispy, spicy bites are pure comfort food, but made wholly from plants. With tender cauliflower, bold buffalo flavor, and a swoon-worthy crunch, you’ll never miss the chicken—and trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re about to be amazed at how a few simple, plant-based ingredients can level-up cauliflower into crave-worthy Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings. Each item brings important flavor, crunch, or heat, so don’t skip out—every element counts!

• Cauliflower: The star—use a small, fresh head, cut into bite-sized florets for the best ratio of crispiness.
• Brown rice flour (or flour of choice): Brown rice flour gives a light, crunchy batter especially if you need a gluten-free option; regular or whole-wheat flour works beautifully, too.
• Garlic powder & Onion powder: Power-up your batter with a punch of savory goodness that seasons every bite all the way through.
• Paprika & Cumin: These spices add deep warmth, color, and a subtle smoky flavor that rounds out the heat.
• Sea salt & Black pepper: Don’t underestimate the basics—they amplify the rest of your flavors.
• Cayenne pepper: For that Buffalo-style fiery snap! Adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Unsweetened cashew milk (or any unsweetened plant milk): Makes the batter luscious and helps it cling to each floret (use soy or oat for nut-free).
• Water & White vinegar (for the buffalo sauce): The foundation for classic Buffalo tanginess—vinegar is non-negotiable for the iconic flavor.
• Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce, adds color, and balances acidity with a gentle sweet note.
• Optional dairy-free ranch dressing: Vegan Buffalo Wings and ranch = match made in heaven! Have it on hand for dunking bliss.

Variations

One of the best things about Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings is how easy they are to adapt. Whether you’re looking to dial up the spice, go extra-crispy, or accommodate allergies, you can make these wings entirely your own!

• Gluten-Free Swap: Stick with brown rice flour or try chickpea flour for a naturally gluten-free, protein-packed option that crisps up beautifully.
• Mild or Sweet Buffalo Sauce: If you like it less spicy, cut back the cayenne and add a splash of maple syrup to your buffalo sauce for a sweet-meets-heat twist.
• Soy-Free or Nut-Free: Use oat or soy milk in place of cashew milk for a version that fits your dietary needs without missing any creaminess.
• Extra Crunchy: Toss battered cauliflower in gluten-free panko breadcrumbs before baking or air frying for wings with super addictive crunch.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower and Preheat

Start by cutting your cauliflower into small, even florets—this ensures each piece cooks at the same rate and gets delightfully crispy on all sides. Preheat your oven to 450°F (or your air fryer to 390°F) for that blast of heat that helps set the crust.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Batter

Whisk together your flour, spices, and seasonings in a large bowl. Add the unsweetened plant milk and stir until you have a smooth, thick batter—it should coat the back of a spoon without being runny. This mixture will lock in flavor and make your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings golden and crisp.

Step 3: Batter and Arrange

Pour the batter over your cauliflower florets in a big bowl and mix well, making sure each piece is coated completely. One by one (it’s worth it!), place them on a parchment-lined baking tray or an air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry, Then Flip

Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the pieces at the halfway mark for even crispiness. If you’re using the air fryer, cook at 390°F, giving the basket a good shake every 5 minutes or so. You want every edge to get that craveable golden crust!

Step 5: Make That Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, whip up your buffalo sauce. Combine water, vinegar, tomato paste, spices, and a pinch of extra cayenne if you like it hot in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes—just enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Coat and Crisp Again

Once your cauliflower is crispy, use a silicone brush to generously coat each floret with buffalo sauce. Pop everything back in the oven (or air fryer) for another 10-15 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark so both sides get spicy and caramelized.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings cool for just a minute (they’ll crisp up even more!), then serve hot with vegan ranch for dunking. Dig in—they’re best enjoyed right away while extra crunchy and saucy!

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds fresh color, while an extra pinch of paprika or a light dusting of flaky sea salt right after baking elevates the flavor and visual appeal. If you want that pub-style look, serve your wings with plenty of celery and carrot sticks for crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with a creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dip—nobody will miss the dairy! For a fuller meal, add sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or pile the wings over rice or quinoa bowls for a hearty, healthy twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try threading cooked wings onto small skewers as a party appetizer, stuffing them into wraps with greens and ranch, or crafting “buffalo cauliflower tacos” topped with shredded cabbage and a quick pickled veggie slaw for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, allow them to cool completely before sealing, and don’t stack them too tightly.

Freezing

While these wings are best fresh for peak crispiness, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for the best texture—no need to thaw.

Reheating

Pop your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings back in a hot oven or air fryer (400°F) for a few minutes until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soft—oven or air fryer is totally worth it for that just-made crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds (and everyone else at the table), these Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a must-try. Give them a whirl for your next snack attack or gathering—you’ll be amazed how plant-based can be this bold and delicious. Happy dunking!

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