Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are crispy, flavorful, and full of heat, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. The cauliflower is perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, thanks to the crispy batter and baking process. Tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are loaded with flavor and can be customized to your spice tolerance. Plus, they’re easy to make, healthier than traditional buffalo wings, and can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who loves bold flavors.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cauliflower:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make them roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the plant-based milk and olive oil to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets without dripping off.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching to allow for even crisping.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown on the edges.
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or sweetness by adding more maple syrup, depending on your preference.
Assemble the Wings:
- Toss in the Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done baking and crispy, remove it from the oven and place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss until all the florets are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the spicy vegan cauliflower buffalo wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch or blue cheese, and a side of celery or carrot sticks.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 4 servings (depending on size of cauliflower)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicier Wings: Add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Sweet & Spicy: For a sweeter twist, add a little more maple syrup to the buffalo sauce or mix in a teaspoon of brown sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baked or Fried: If you prefer, you can fry the battered cauliflower florets in vegetable oil for a crispier texture, although baking is a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover cauliflower buffalo wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness, or reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best for the crispy texture, but you can use frozen cauliflower if fresh isn’t available. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen cauliflower before battering it.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the cauliflower and batter it ahead of time, but it’s best to bake and toss it in the buffalo sauce just before serving to maintain the crispness.
3. How can I make the cauliflower even crispier?
To make the cauliflower even crispier, spray the battered florets lightly with cooking spray before baking. You can also bake them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the cauliflower.
4. Can I use another type of sauce besides buffalo sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces! Try using barbecue sauce, sriracha, or a combination of sauces to create a flavor profile that you love.
5. Are these cauliflower buffalo wings vegan?
Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly. The batter uses plant-based milk, and the buffalo sauce is made with vegan butter.
6. Can I make these cauliflower buffalo wings spicier?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even jalapeño peppers to the batter for an extra layer of heat.
7. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these buffalo wings gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. Make sure the hot sauce is also gluten-free.
8. Can I make these cauliflower wings in the air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the battered cauliflower for a quicker cooking time. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
9. Can I freeze the leftover cauliflower buffalo wings?
You can freeze the baked (but uncoated) cauliflower wings before tossing them in the buffalo sauce. After freezing, store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then toss in the buffalo sauce.
10. What can I serve these with?
These spicy vegan cauliflower buffalo wings are perfect served with vegan ranch or blue cheese dip, and a side of celery or carrot sticks. They also go well with a fresh salad or as part of a vegan platter.
Conclusion
Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for anyone craving bold, spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or a main dish, these wings are sure to impress with their crispy texture and fiery buffalo sauce. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a plant-based, flavorful treat!
PrintSpicy Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
Spicy Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce. These wings are crunchy, full of heat, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
Instructions
For the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, trying to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the plant-based milk and olive oil, whisking until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets without dripping off.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Arrange the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching to allow for even crisping.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown on the edges.
- For the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or sweetness by adding more maple syrup.
- Assemble the Wings: Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss until all the florets are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the spicy vegan cauliflower buffalo wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like vegan ranch or blue cheese, and a side of celery or carrot sticks.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, spray the battered cauliflower with cooking spray before baking or bake them on a wire rack for better air circulation.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend and check that the hot sauce is gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
