Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Get ready to toss out your takeout menus, because Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are here to shake up your snack game! Crispy, spicy, and outrageously addictive, these plant-based bites deliver all the bold flavors of classic wings—without a shred of meat. Whether baked or air-fried, they make the ultimate party appetizer or a seriously crave-worthy weeknight treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings that truly shine. Each item adds a special touch—crunch, creamy texture, robust spice, or signature heat—making these wings an all-star hit.

• Cauliflower: The star! Cut into bite-sized florets so each piece gets perfectly coated and crisp.
• Brown rice flour (or flour of choice): Gives those wings their irresistible crunch and keeps the batter gluten-free, if you need.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential for building a savory, umami-packed base in both the batter and sauce.
• Paprika: Brings a smoky depth and helps give your wings a lovely reddish hue.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone that makes the flavors pop.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Balances all the flavors and brightens the heat.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional but highly encouraged for that classic Buffalo zing.
• Unsweetened cashew milk (or any plant milk): Helps the batter come together and keeps things rich but dairy-free.
• Water & white vinegar: The backbone of the Buffalo sauce—vinegar delivers the tang you expect in true wing fashion.
• Tomato paste: Adds body, color, and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Optional: Vegan ranch dressing: For the ultimate dipping experience—cool, creamy, and the perfect contrast to that spicy kick!

Variations

Your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings can be as unique as you are—switch up the flour, sauce, or even the level of heat. It’s so easy to customize based on what’s in your kitchen or your latest craving.

• Gluten-Free Swap: Use chickpea flour or an all-purpose gluten-free blend for a slightly different crunch and a nutty flavor.
• BBQ Cauliflower Wings: Try swapping the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist that’s kid-friendly, too.
• Extra Spicy: Stir an extra dash of cayenne or some hot sauce into both your batter and your sauce for those who like it fiery.
• Soy-Free: Use oat or almond milk in place of cashew milk for a completely nut- and soy-free wing.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into small, evenly sized florets. This not only helps them cook uniformly, but also gives you that perfect balance of soft inside and crispy outside with every bite. If you’re making ranch dressing, pop your cashews in to soak now so everything’s ready together!

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy!). Slowly whisk in the cashew milk until a smooth, thick batter forms. The batter is the secret to those crave-worthy, crispy edges.

Step 3: Coat and Bake (or Air Fry!)

Pour the batter over your cauliflower florets in a big bowl, then use a sturdy spoon or your hands to gently toss and coat every nook and cranny. Lay each piece out, one at a time, on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly into your air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between each floret for maximum crispiness. Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes (flipping halfway), or air fry at 390°F, shaking every 5 minutes, until golden.

Step 4: Simmer the Buffalo Sauce

While your cauliflower is crisping up, add water, white vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt to a small saucepan. Whisk everything together and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce darkens and thickens just a bit. This step melds the flavors and gives you a bold, zippy buffalo sauce!

Step 5: Sauce & Finish

Brush each cooked cauliflower wing generously with your buffalo sauce and return it to the oven or air fryer for another 10–15 minutes (again, flipping halfway for even crisping). The sauce bakes in, giving every bite that signature tang and heat. Now, all that’s left is to serve with chilled ranch and get dunking!

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving. If you’re a fan of a little extra zest, some grated lemon zest or a scattering of sliced green onions also look gorgeous and brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with celery sticks, crisp carrot batons, and a generous side of vegan ranch for dunking. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a fresh green salad, vegan mac and cheese, or some hand-cut sweet potato fries!

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings on a platter with a rainbow of crunchy veggies and a bowl of dipping sauce in the center for a party-ready display. Or try skewering a few wings on bamboo sticks for finger food at gatherings—the ultimate game day snack, no napkins required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two or three days. They’ll soften a bit, but don’t worry—a quick reheat will bring them right back to crispy, just-made perfection.

Freezing

These wings can be frozen after baking and saucing—just lay them out in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop them directly onto a baking tray or into your air fryer to refresh that tasty crunch.

Reheating

Restore crispiness by reheating the Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer rather than the microwave. Ten or so minutes should do the trick, and they’ll be piping hot and ready to dip!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a total crowd-pleaser—whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just wing-curious. They’re zesty, crunchy, and so much fun to dip and share. I hope you’ll give them a try and make them your new go-to favorite whenever cravings hit!

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