If you’re craving something spicy, crispy, and totally satisfying but want to keep it plant-based, I’ve got you covered with my **Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe**. These bad boys are packed with flavor, come together fairly quickly, and have such a wonderful contrast of textures—a crunchy outside with tender, juicy cauliflower inside. I first tried making this a few years back when I wanted a healthier alternative to traditional wings, and now it’s become a staple at our game day parties and weeknight dinners alike. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail that perfect buffalo wing experience without any meat involved!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you’re using an oven or air fryer, these wings come out perfectly crispy.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The spicy buffalo sauce hits that satisfying tang and heat without overpowering.
Family Favorite: Even the non-vegans in my family go crazy for these — a win for all taste buds!

A white plate holds a circular arrangement with four main parts: crispy, golden-brown cauliflower pieces with a rough, crunchy texture at the bottom and top right; bright green celery sticks on the left side with smooth, shiny surfaces; bright orange carrot sticks on the right side with a slightly matte texture; and a glass bowl in the center filled with thick, creamy white dip sprinkled with small black herb bits. A woman's hand is dipping one cauliflower piece into the creamy sauce. Two lime wedges with light green skin and juicy texture sit on the white marbled surface near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo wing recipe, healthy plant-based wings, crispy cauliflower wings, vegan game day snacks

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this ingredient list balances hearty veggies with a flavorful batter and sauce. Each component plays a role in creating a satisfying wing experience, and the best part is you can customize your heat level easily.

Flat lay of a small head of fresh cauliflower, a small mound of brown rice flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of white vinegar, a small white bowl of unsweetened cashew milk, a small white bowl of clear water, whole uncracked brown eggs not present (recipe does not call for eggs), scattered individual piles of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper each artistically arranged on the white marble surface, all fresh and natural, no packaging, no duplicates, no utensils, perfectly symmetrical and balanced composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo wing recipe, healthy plant-based wings, crispy cauliflower wings, vegan game day snacks

Cauliflower: The star of the show, bite-sized florets roast beautifully and soak up flavor without getting mushy.
Brown rice flour: My go-to for a light, crispy coating; you can also use your favorite gluten-free or regular flour.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a savory depth that jazzes up the batter and sauce alike.
Paprika and cayenne pepper: For that smoky, spicy kick essential to buffalo wings.
Cumin and sea salt: Earthy and seasoning staples that build a rounded flavor profile.
Cashew milk: Creamy but dairy-free, it helps create a smooth batter without heaviness.
White vinegar: A little acidity sharpens the sauce, balancing the heat.
Tomato paste: Provides body and rich color in the buffalo sauce.
Dairy-free ranch dressing: Optional but highly recommended for dunking — I swear by a homemade version for that authentic tang!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is pretty versatile, and I’ve played around with some tweaks to suit different tastes and occasions — you should too! Don’t hesitate to personalize it and find your favorite combo.

Extra Crispy: I once tossed these in cornstarch before dipping in the batter for an ultra-crispy shell — perfect if you want that crunch.
Milder Sauce: If you’re spice sensitive, reduce the cayenne or swap hot sauce for a gentler one like Frank’s Mild.
Air Fryer Friendly: Tried air frying for quicker cooking with minimal oil — still delicious and crisp!
Different Dips: Aside from ranch, blue cheese-style vegan dips or cooling cucumber yogurt also pair beautifully.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep your cauliflower and batter

Start by cutting your cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets — size matters because you want them crispy all around, not soggy. Tossing the florets in a bowl, you’ll then mix your brown rice flour with all those lovely spices. I love adding a bit of cumin here to give the wings a subtle warmth alongside the heat. Next, slowly whisk in the cashew milk until you have a smooth batter. This step is crucial — make sure every floret is evenly coated by gently stirring so that no bites get left behind in flavor.

Step 2: Bake your wings until crispy

Spread the battered cauliflower out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer — crowding can lead to soggy pieces. Pop them into a preheated oven at 450°F. After about 10 minutes, flip each piece carefully to ensure even browning on all sides. By the 20-minute mark, you should see a beautiful golden crust forming, which definitely makes me smile every time.

Step 3: Make and apply the buffalo sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the buffalo sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for a few minutes so all those flavors marry into a tangy, spicy sauce that smells irresistible. When the florets come out of the oven, I grab a silicone brush and generously coat each wing, making sure they’re all fully covered. Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 10-15 minutes — flipping halfway to lock in sauce flavor and achieve a slightly sticky, spicy glaze.

Step 4: Serve with your favorite dairy-free ranch

I highly recommend chilling your ranch dip ahead of time — the contrast between spicy wings and cool ranch is unbeatable. Arrange the cauliflower wings on a serving plate and gather your dipping sauce, celery sticks, and some extra napkins. Trust me, these wings will disappear fast!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Even-Sized Florets: I learned the hard way that uneven pieces cook differently, so try to cut your cauliflower uniformly for consistent texture.
Don’t Skimp on Coating: Make sure each floret is well coated in batter—thin coverage can lead to less crunch and more mess.
Use a Silicone Brush: Brushing the sauce lets you control coverage and prevents sogginess better than tossing in sauce.
Flip Gently: During baking, flip florets carefully with tongs; they can be fragile, and you want that crispy coating intact.

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

A white plate with three sections holds different foods arranged around a small clear glass bowl of creamy, white dip with sprinkled herbs on top. The bowl sits in the center, and a single green celery stick is dipped into the creamy mixture, standing upright. Surrounding the bowl, there are crispy, golden-brown fried cauliflower pieces across most of the plate, bright green celery sticks on the left side, and bright orange carrot sticks on the right side. The whole plate is placed on a white marbled surface with lime wedges and a blue and white striped cloth visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo wing recipe, healthy plant-based wings, crispy cauliflower wings, vegan game day snacks

Garnishes

I typically top my wings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or celery leaves—not only for color but also for a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the spice. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side adds a bright zing if you like to squeeze a little extra citrus on your wings before eating.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe are crunchy celery sticks and carrot batons—classic accompaniments that bring a cool crunch. I also love pairing it with baked sweet potato fries or a light green salad to balance the heat. For game day, some vegan coleslaw really hits the spot too!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these wings arranged on a large platter with mini dipping cups filled with ranch, blue cheese sauce, and even a spicy mango chutney. Adding colorful veggies and garnishes around the platter makes the spread super inviting. Another fun idea is stacking the wings like little towers and skewering with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cauliflower buffalo wings store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to avoid sticking together. When you pull them out, they still keep their spicy flavor but may lose some crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wings before by flash freezing them on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 2 months this way. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftover wings, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer for about 7-10 minutes to crisp back up—microwaving tends to make them a bit soggy, so I avoid that. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and dry out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! I’ve had fantastic results air frying coated cauliflower at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway and then tossing with buffalo sauce. It’s a quicker method and still gets nice and crispy, perfect if you want to skip the oven.
What can I use instead of brown rice flour?

You can substitute with chickpea flour, all-purpose flour (if gluten is not a concern), or even oat flour. Each will give slightly different textures—brown rice flour gives a nice crispness but feel free to experiment.
How spicy are these vegan buffalo wings?

They have a moderate spice level — the cayenne and paprika provide warmth and heat, but it’s totally customizable. For a milder version, just reduce the cayenne or swap it for smoked paprika alone.
Can I prepare this recipe without a dipping sauce?

You certainly can, but I find that the creamy, tangy dairy-free ranch really balances the spicy wings perfectly and elevates the experience. If you’re not a ranch fan, try hummus or a cucumber dill dip.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe turns out every single time — it’s my go-to when I want something indulgent without the guilt. These wings bring the perfect combo of spice, crunch, and that addictive buffalo flavor that keeps me coming back for more. If you give this a try (and I really hope you do), you’ll discover how satisfying vegan comfort food can be. Next time you want to impress guests or just treat yourself, know that these buffalo wings are waiting for you to dive in!