Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

If you’re craving a spicy, crispy snack that’s totally plant-based and packed with flavor, you have to try this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe. I absolutely love how it nails that classic buffalo wing vibe—tangy, a little smoky, with just the right kick of heat—all without any meat! Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a satisfying weekday treat, this recipe delivers every time. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips so your cauliflower wings come out perfectly crispy and delicious, no air fryer or oven mysteries involved.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward and work together beautifully to give you that juicy, flavorful bite with a crispy outside. Brown rice flour is my go-to for that light, crunchy coating, but don’t worry if you want to swap it out. A few spices amp up the flavor, and the buffalo sauce is made from scratch so you control every zingy note.

• Cauliflower: Pick a fresh, firm head and break into small, bite-sized florets for easy dipping and baking.
• Brown rice flour: This gives a nice crisp crust; alternatively, feel free to use chickpea or all-purpose flour.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These add a savory depth to the batter.
• Paprika & cayenne pepper: Paprika adds smokiness, while cayenne brings just the right heat.
• Cumin: Subtle earthiness to complement the spicy notes.
• Sea salt & black pepper: For balanced seasoning throughout.
• Unsweetened cashew milk: Creamy without extra sweetness; any plant milk works too.
• White vinegar: Adds that sharp tang crucial for buffalo sauce authenticity.
• Tomato paste: Gives the sauce body and richness.
• Dairy-free ranch dressing: Perfect for dunking—creamy cooling contrast to spicy wings. (You can make your own or buy a good brand.)

Variations

I love that this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is so easy to tweak to your taste or what you have on hand. You can turn up the heat if you want, add some smoky maple syrup for a sweet-spicy twist, or swap out the dipping sauce to keep things fresh and fun.

• Extra Spicy: Once, I added extra cayenne and a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a fiery batch—totally loved the kick, but balance with ranch!
• Smoky Maple Buffalo: Mixing a teaspoon of maple syrup into the buffalo sauce gives a wonderful sweet heat that my family adored.
• Different Dips: Try vegan blue cheese or a cooling avocado lime dip for variety.
• Air Fryer Option: If you want a shortcut, air frying at 400°F for about 15 minutes works great and keeps things crispy.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ranch and Preheat Your Oven

I always start by soaking cashews if I’m making the ranch from scratch—that way the sauce is creamy and dreamy without any gritty texture. While those soak, line your baking tray with parchment and fire up the oven to 450°F. High heat is key for crispiness, so don’t shy away from it.

Step 2: Mix the Batter and Coat the Cauliflower

In one bowl, toss the cauliflower florets so they’re ready. In another bowl, combine your brown rice flour and spices, then whisk in the cashew milk until you get a smooth batter. Pour that over your cauliflower and stir well to make sure every piece is evenly coated. This batter locks in flavor and creates a crispy shell once baked.

Step 3: Bake Until Crisp

Spread your coated cauliflower out on the parchment-lined tray in a single layer—crowding will steam them, and we don’t want soggy wings. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway so all sides get golden and crispy. Watch closely towards the end; some pieces brown faster than others.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower’s baking, whisk all the buffalo sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken it slightly. The scent at this step is a total tease—you’re almost there!

Step 5: Coat and Crackle

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and use a silicone brush to generously coat each floret with buffalo sauce. Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, flipping once to caramelize the sauce and get that finger-lickin’ finish. This double bake step is my favorite trick to lock in both crispiness and saucy flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pair these hot, tangy bites with a big bowl of your favorite dairy-free ranch dressing and dig in. Trust me, you’ll find these wings disappearing at lightning speed!

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild flavor—it brightens and balances the spicy heat nicely. A few celery sticks on the side add that classic crunch and help cool the palate between bites.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with these vegan wings are sweet potato fries or a simple kale salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The sweet-spicy contrast with fries is a winner, and the salad adds some fresh greens to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I like to arrange these wings on a big platter surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like vegan ranch, garlic aioli, or even a smoky chipotle dip. You can add colorful veggie sticks too—it turns the presentation into a fun finger food feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cool them completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.

Freezing

Occasionally, I make a double batch and freeze some wings. After baking and saucing, let them cool completely, arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully and make a quick snack whenever you need.

Reheating

To get leftovers crispy again, I reheat the cauliflower wings in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp exterior—oven reheating works wonders.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe has totally changed how I think about plant-based snacks. It’s become my go-to whenever I want something spicy, crunchy, and satisfying that everyone—even the meat lovers!—raves about. Don’t hesitate to give it a try, and remember, the key is that crispy crust and bold sauce. Once you nail those, you’re golden. Here’s to many game nights, dinner parties, or solo snack attacks made better with these delicious wings!

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