Think buffalo wings are off-limits on a vegan diet? Think again. Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings have skyrocketed in popularity on Pinterest and TikTok over the past year, with searches like “buffalo cauliflower air fryer” and “vegan game day snacks” rising by over 50% in the US, UK, and Canada. These crispy bites are tossed in fiery buffalo sauce and served with a creamy vegan ranch for the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining, or just craving something crunchy, this recipe is about to become your spicy obsession.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make crispy, flavorful cauliflower wings—plus smart substitutions:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower head | 1 medium | Cut into florets | Broccoli or Romanesco |
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup | For the batter coating | Chickpea or rice flour |
| Plant-based milk | ¾ cup | Unsweetened (oat, soy, almond) | Water with a splash of lemon juice |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | For seasoning the batter | Onion powder |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds a smoky depth | Regular paprika |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances overall flavor | Sea salt |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | For mild heat | Cayenne powder for more kick |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | For extra crispiness | Crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs |
| Vegan butter | 2 tbsp | Melted, for buffalo sauce | Olive oil or coconut oil |
| Hot sauce (Frank’s) | ½ cup | Classic buffalo flavor | Any vinegar-based hot sauce |
| Vegan ranch dressing | For dipping | Store-bought or homemade | Vegan blue cheese or tahini dip |
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
That’s nearly 30% faster than traditional chicken wings—no marinating, no frying, no animal products.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prep Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and cut your cauliflower into medium-sized florets—uniformity ensures even cooking.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should resemble pancake batter—thick enough to coat but not clump.
3. Coat and Bread the Cauliflower
Dip each floret into the batter, shake off excess, then roll in panko breadcrumbs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wings should be crispy and golden on the outside.
5. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, mix melted vegan butter and hot sauce. Remove cauliflower from the oven and toss gently in the sauce. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes to bake in the flavor.
6. Serve with Vegan Ranch
Serve immediately with chilled vegan ranch, celery sticks, and carrot slices for a true wing-style experience.
Nutritional Information
Per 6-piece serving (approximate):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
Low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, these buffalo wings are a smart swap for traditional meat versions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Air Fryer Version: Cut total fat by 30% by air frying at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Oil-Free Option: Skip the vegan butter and toss wings in just hot sauce.
- Lower Sodium: Choose a low-sodium hot sauce or make your own buffalo blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Game Day Appetizer: Serve in a large bowl with dipping sauces at your next party.
- Stuff in Tacos: Add into tortillas with slaw and guac for buffalo tacos.
- Buffalo Bowl: Layer over rice or quinoa with avocado and greens.
- Mini Skewers: Thread onto sticks for a cute, sharable finger food option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wet Cauliflower: Pat your florets dry before dipping—excess water ruins the coating.
- Crowding the Pan: Use two baking sheets if needed—crowding leads to soggy wings.
- Skipping the Breadcrumbs: Panko is key for crunch—don’t skip it!
- Using Sweetened Plant Milk: Always go for unsweetened to avoid weird flavor clashes.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Do Not Freeze Coated Cauliflower Raw: The batter will not hold well once thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Roast the cauliflower plain and store buffalo sauce separately. Toss and reheat when ready.
Conclusion
These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are fiery, crispy, and impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re vegan or just cauliflower-curious, this spicy snack offers everything you love about wings—without the meat. Try them today and let us know how you served them! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more bold, plant-powered recipes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. It’s quicker and lower in fat.
Q: Is there a low-heat version?
Simply reduce the hot sauce or use a mild version for less spice.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze baked (not sauced) wings. Reheat in the oven.
Q: Are these kid-friendly?
Use a milder sauce or serve plain with dip for little ones.
