Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

If you’re craving something spicy, crunchy, and utterly addictive, you’ve got to try this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe. It’s a game changer when you want all the flavor of classic buffalo wings, but made entirely plant-based — and you won’t miss the meat one bit. I absolutely love how crispy these turn out on the outside with a tender, flavorful bite inside. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become a staple you’ll lean on again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe work together to create that perfect balance of crunchy coating and tangy, spicy buffalo flavor. Make sure to pick fresh, firm cauliflower for the best texture, and use unsweetened cashew milk or your preferred plant milk for the batter.

• Cauliflower: Choose a small head, cut into bite-sized florets for quick cooking and easy dipping.
• Brown rice flour: This flour creates a nice crispy coating while keeping it gluten-free; you can swap if needed.
• Garlic powder: Adds that savory depth without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances overall flavor.
• Paprika: For a mildly smoky warmth, used in both the batter and sauce.
• Cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness that makes these wings unique and tasty.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning so every bite pops.
• Cayenne pepper: The secret weapon for the right amount of heat — adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Unsweetened cashew milk: Or your favorite plant milk, helps create a smooth batter.
• Water: To thin out the batter perfectly.
• White vinegar: Adds a tang that balances the flavors in the buffalo sauce.
• Tomato paste: Gives the buffalo sauce that rich base — don’t skip it!
• Dairy-free ranch dressing: I love pairing these wings with ranch for the ultimate dipping experience.

Variations

I’ve experimented a lot with this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe, and there are so many ways to make it your own. Sometimes I tone down the cayenne if I’m serving kids; other times, I add extra smoked paprika for a richer flavor. Feel free to play around with dairy-free cheeses or swap the ranch for a blue cheese-style dip — it’s all about what you and your loved ones enjoy most!

• Spice Level: I reduce cayenne for a milder kick or double it when I want it fiery hot — you can easily adjust this recipe to fit your heat preference.
• Air Fryer Option: Cooking these in the air fryer gives an ultra-crispy result without the oil — just watch the timing closely to prevent burning.
• Seasonal Twists: Swap the buffalo sauce for a BBQ glaze or a maple sriracha mix to keep things exciting and seasonal.
• Gluten-Free & Grain-Free: Use chickpea flour or coconut flour if you prefer those flours instead of brown rice flour, just watch the batter thickness.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower and Batter

Start by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets—this helps them cook evenly and get that perfect tender-crisp texture. In a separate bowl, mix together your brown rice flour and all the dry spices to build that flavorful coating. Then stir in the cashew milk and water to make a smooth batter that’ll cling to each piece. Pour the batter over the cauliflower and gently toss until every floret is fully coated. I like to use a large spoon or even my hands—but make sure not to smash the cauliflower!

Step 2: Bake the Cauliflower

Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then spread your battered cauliflower out in a single layer. This step is important—you want each piece to have room so it crisps instead of steaming. Pop them in a preheated 450°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through so both sides get golden and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While your cauliflower bakes, whisk together all the buffalo sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. A combination of tomato paste, spices, vinegar, and seasonings create that tangy bite. Let it simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to really marry those flavors. It smells amazing and will be the magic that turns boring cauliflower into an addictive snack.

Step 4: Coat and Finish Baking

When the cauliflower is out of the oven, it’s time to sauce it up! Use a silicone brush (trust me, it makes things so much easier) to generously coat each floret in that rich buffalo sauce. Return the tray to the oven and bake another 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, so the sauce caramelizes lightly but doesn’t burn. This is where the magic really happens—trust me, the wait is worth it.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these bad boys up warm with a side of your favorite dairy-free ranch. I’m telling you, dunking these buffalo cauliflower wings into ranch is the ultimate game day combo. You’ll want to make extra sauce because they disappear fast!

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding fresh garnishes like finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness that balances the heat. Sometimes I even toss on a little celery salt for that nostalgic wing joint vibe. These simple touches take the dish from good to show-stopping!

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for these wings alongside celery sticks and crunchy carrot sticks to cut through the spice. For bigger meals, I’ll pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh crisp coleslaw—makes it feel like you’re at a backyard BBQ, but vegan and plant-powered.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or parties, I like to arrange the wings on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves and a few small ramekins of ranch and extra buffalo sauce. Adding colorful bell pepper slices and edible flowers has been a fun way to dress it up when I’m hosting friends. Everyone always asks for seconds — presentation really does make a difference.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the coating stays surprisingly crispy if you place a piece of parchment between layers to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

These wings freeze well for up to 2 months. Just freeze in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent sticking. When you want to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then re-crisp in the oven or air fryer.

Reheating

To keep that amazing crispiness, I recommend reheating the wings in the oven at 375°F on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes or in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Microwaving will warm them but often leaves them soggy—so if crispy is your goal, stick with dry heat methods.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe, I was amazed at how much it satisfied my buffalo wing cravings — without meat or dairy! Now it’s a go-to for anyone I want to impress with a plant-based snack that’s full of flavor and fun to eat. Give it a shot, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites, too. Trust me, you won’t believe that crispy, spicy, tangy goodness is actually cauliflower!

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