There’s nothing more perfect than wings on game day! These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower wings are super easy, delicious, and allergy-friendly for the next time you host a crowd for the big game. Make these in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack any day!
Why I Love this Recipe
- Better than restaurant – This recipe blows the restaurant versions out of the water. Even better, you know what’s in it, making it a healthier option than takeout.
- Spice control – I can be a bit of a wimp when it comes to spice sometimes. Frank’s is about all I can handle, but feel free to use your favorite fiery sauce to kick up the heat.
- Perfectly crisp – There is nothing worse than soggy wings. These come out crisp every time!
Ingredients
- Cauliflower – Choose a large head of cauliflower to get more florets!
- Flour – I use all-purpose flour, but you could switch to gluten-free flour to make these GF-friendly.
- Plant milk – Coconut or oat works best in my opinion, but any plant milk works.
- Spices – These are to improve the flavor of the batter. Feel free to add more or less to your liking.
- Buffalo sauce – Frank’s is my favorite (not an ad), but any hot sauce works!
- Vegan Butter – The melted butter adds some flavor to the sauce mixture, but you could always opt for olive oil instead.
How to Make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prep the Cauliflower
Cut your cauliflower into florets.
Tip: From the bottom of the cauliflower, remove the leaves and cut the main stem until the smaller stems are exposed. Starting at the bottom, cut from the main stem outward, then break off the florets as you go. This will reduce the crumbs and prevent the florets from falling apart.
Make the Batter
Whisk together the flour, milk, salt, and remaining spices until you have a thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower, but not so thick that it is not pourable.
Dip each floret into the batter.
Tip: Place each floret on the end of a fork to dip into the batter. This makes for a less messy coating process and easier clean-up!
First Round of Baking
Place the coated cauliflower florets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet, as this will slow down the cooking time.
Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until the cauliflower appears golden brown and crispy.
Make the Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking the first round, mix the buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter.
Once the cauliflower has been baked, remove it from the oven and use a silicone basting brush to spread the sauce evenly over each floret. Use as much or as little as you’d like here.
Final Bake
Return the coated cauliflower to the oven and bake at 450 F for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the sauce begins to caramelize.
Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite dipping sauce! These go great with my easy vegan ranch dressing!
Optional: Air Fryer Instructions
You can make these cauliflower wings in the air fryer as well. The first bake will be at 400 F for 15-20 minutes, and the second will be at 400 F for 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook these in batches.
How to Store Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Fridge: These store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: These are best reheated in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
More Tips for Making Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Not vegan? Use regular milk or real butter and dip with real ranch dressing for a still-delicious vegetarian option!
- Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour in your batter and you are good to go!
Looking for more delicious party appetizers? Try these Crispy Baked Chickpeas or Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know! Tag me on Instagram
@theplanted.pantry
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Equipment
- Whisk
- Fork
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower
For the Batter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ¾ - 1 cup Plant milk
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tbsp Vegan butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut your cauliflower into florets and set aside.
- In a low, flat bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, salt, and spices to create a smooth but thick batter. Add more plant milk 1-2 tsp at a time if the batter is too dry.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is evenly coated. Then place them onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 450 F for 20-25 minutes or until the batter is golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted vegan butter.
- After the first round of baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven, and brush it with buffalo sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the buffalo sauce has begun to caramelize.
- Remove from the oven, serve with your favorite dipping sauce (like my easy vegan ranch!), and enjoy!
Notes
- When cutting the cauliflower into florets, start at the bottom and cut from the main stem outward, then break the florets off as they are exposed. This will reduce the crumbs and avoid florets falling apart!
- When coating the florets in the batter, place each floret on the end of a fork to dip into the batter. This makes for a less messy coating process and easier clean-up!
- Not vegan? Use regular milk or real butter and dip with real ranch dressing for a still-delicious vegetarian option!
- Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour in your batter and you are good to go!
4 Responses
Definitely going to be making these!
Sounds good. Thank you for sharing this easy to make recipe. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
Yum! This sounds and looks so good. Looking forward to trying!
Adore this recipe and so happy I have cauliflower in fridge! 🙂