Description
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, spicy, and crispy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a flavorful batter and baked to perfection, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food that’s completely plant-based and gluten-free when using chickpea flour.
Ingredients
Scale
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 for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure the pieces are about the same size for even cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable. Add more milk if it’s too thick.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coat completely, and shake off excess batter before placing on the prepared baking sheet. Continue with all florets.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While baking, whisk together hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and tang to taste.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove baked cauliflower, toss florets carefully in buffalo sauce until well-coated, using a large bowl or the baking sheet.
- Return to the Oven: Bake coated cauliflower for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set and get crispier.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite vegan dipping sauce like vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper from the batter and adjust hot sauce amount to taste.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are similarly sized for even baking and crispiness.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Allow the buffalo sauce to set slightly during the last bake for better coating.
- Pair with vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dressings for a classic wing experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
