Description
These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a spicy, flavorful, and crispy snack perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Coated in a seasoned batter and baked or air fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce and served with a creamy dairy-free ranch dressing, these wings deliver all the bold flavors of traditional buffalo wings in a plant-based form.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Batter
- 1 small cauliflower (cut into small bite sized florets)
- 1/2 cup brown rice flour (or flour of choice if not avoiding gluten)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
For the Buffalo Wing Sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
Additional
- 1 recipe dairy-free ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Ranch Dipping Sauce: Soak cashews ahead of time for the dairy-free ranch dressing. Once soaked, blend the ranch according to its recipe instructions and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat Oven: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal crispiness.
- Make the Batter: Place cauliflower florets in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add cashew milk and water to the flour mixture and stir well to form a smooth batter.
- Coat Cauliflower: Pour the batter over the cauliflower and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- First Bake: Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer on the baking tray and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to allow even cooking.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While baking, combine paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and tomato paste in a small saucepan. Whisk together and simmer gently over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Coat and Bake Again: Remove cauliflower from oven and brush each piece generously with the buffalo sauce using a silicone brush. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, to develop a crispy coating with a spicy glaze.
- Serve: Plate the cauliflower buffalo wings alongside the chilled dairy-free ranch dressing and enjoy as a flavorful, crunchy snack.
Notes
- Cauliflower buffalo wings have a spicy and tangy flavor profile that perfectly mimics traditional wings.
- The outer coating bakes up crisp while the inside remains tender, providing a satisfying texture contrast.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- For a gluten-free option, use brown rice flour or another gluten-free flour.
- The ranch dressing can be made in advance to save preparation time.
- The recipe can be adapted for air frying by cooking cauliflower at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 118 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 732 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
