Name: Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets); ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter

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If you’re on the hunt for something magically crispy, finger-licking good, and full of flavor—Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are about to become your new obsession. These irresistible bites are a sensation at parties, totally deliver that satisfying heat, and are a total joy to whip up from scratch. Smothered in tangy buffalo sauce and baked to golden perfection, they’re the kind of appetizer that wins over even the most die-hard wing fanatics. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply want a fun treat for yourself, Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings totally steal the show.

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings couldn’t be easier—every item plays an important role in creating tender, meaty centers with crispy golden edges and a flavorful kick. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why it matters:

Cauliflower florets: The hearty, neutral base for soaking up flavor and giving that classic “wing” texture—break your head of cauliflower into bite-sized pieces for best results.
All-purpose flour: This forms the crispy batter coating, helping everything cling to each floret.
Unsweetened plant-based milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the batter together without overpowering the flavor—soy, oat, or almond all work well.
Garlic powder: Delivers a savory punch that wakes up the palate and deepens the overall taste.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle, mellow savoriness that perfectly complements the garlic.
Smoked paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and a hint of color that makes each bite pop.
Salt: Balances out the flavors and brings everything together.
Black pepper: Lends a delicate heat and aromatics for a little extra flair.
Olive oil: Helps crisp up the cauliflower and keeps it from drying out during baking.
Buffalo hot sauce: The unmistakable tang and spice—the star of the show, so use your favorite brand!
Melted vegan butter: Rounds out the buffalo sauce, making it rich and velvety for that classic finish.

How to Make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first: preheat your oven to 425°F. This blast of high heat is key to crisping up the edges. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (and to prevent sticking!), setting the stage for perfectly golden Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl until you get a silky, lump-free batter. This magic mixture clings to each floret, delivering both crunch and loads of flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add all your cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss with your hands or a big spoon. Make sure every piece is generously coated—this is what gives your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings their signature bite. Shake off any excess batter before laying each floret out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between for optimal crispiness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping each floret halfway through. You’ll start to notice the edges turning beautifully golden and the coating setting up for that addictive crunch. Don’t skip the flip—it ensures all sides get a shot at crispiness!

Step 5: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

While the florets are baking, whisk the buffalo hot sauce and melted vegan butter together in a small bowl. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush or toss each piece with this spicy, buttery mixture. With the wings sauced up and glistening, return them to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until edges are crisp and slightly charred.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

As soon as your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings come out of the oven, plate them up while sizzling and steamy. They’re best served fresh, with cool vegan ranch and crunchy celery sticks for that ultimate combination of spicy, creamy, and crisp. Now you’re ready to dive in!

How to Serve Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

Sprinkle your piping-hot wings with a dash of chopped parsley for fresh color, or a scattering of green onions or chives. If you’re feeling a bit zesty, an extra grind of black pepper or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan works wonders, too. These little touches make your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

Nothing says “game day feast” quite like classic sides. Serve your wings with crispy fries, a vibrant slaw, or simple carrot and celery sticks. A small bowl of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing is the perfect dunk for taming the heat, making every bite balanced and craveable.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try stacking your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings on a big platter surrounded by dippable veggies, or thread them onto skewers for a fun twist. If you’re making a meal of it, pile them into wraps with greens and avocado, or serve them on top of a hearty salad for a filling lunch with plenty of attitude.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any wings left (which is a big “if”), let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days—they’ll lose a little of their fresh-from-the-oven crunch, but they’ll still be totally delicious for snacking or quick meals.

Freezing

You can freeze Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings after baking and saucing them. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just note the texture may be a bit softer after reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your wings in an oven or air fryer at 400°F until they’re hot and crisp (about 8-10 minutes). The microwave is speedy but tends to make them soft, so stick to dry heat if possible for that crave-able crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. The wings turn out just as crispy and delicious, so everyone can dig in, no matter their dietary needs.

Which plant-based milk is best?

Any unsweetened plant-based milk works beautifully, but I love oat or soy milk for their creamy, neutral taste. Steer clear of anything sweetened or flavored, or your wings may end up with unexpected notes.

How spicy are these wings, and can I adjust the heat?

The spiciness depends on your buffalo sauce—some are big and bold, while others are milder. Feel free to use a mild buffalo sauce or dilute with an extra splash of vegan butter for a gentler kick. Or, fire things up even more for the heat-lovers!

Can I make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an air fryer?

Definitely! Air fry the battered florets at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, then sauce and air fry for another 5 minutes. They turn out extra crispy and it’s even faster than baking.

What’s the best way to make these extra crispy?

For ultra-crispy wings, don’t crowd the baking sheet, and finish them under the broiler for a couple of minutes after the final bake. This really caramelizes the edges and gives you that irresistible “fried” texture—no oil bath necessary.

Final Thoughts

These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a personal go-to for every party, potluck, or just those evenings when nothing but bold, comforting flavor will do. Give them a try and you’ll see why they win hearts (and taste buds!) every time—they’re proof that plant-based appetizers can outdo the originals. Happy cooking!

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they make a delicious appetizer or game day snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Wings:

1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat completely. Shake off excess batter and place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly golden.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter.
Coat and bake again: Remove the cauliflower from the oven, brush or toss with the buffalo sauce mixture, then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until crisp and slightly charred.
Serve: Serve hot with vegan ranch or celery sticks if desired.