Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”

Short description

These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings” are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. With a crispy, golden coating and spicy buffalo sauce, they’re the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion, and they’re completely plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and spicy: The cauliflower florets are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated with a spicy buffalo sauce for a satisfying kick.
• Vegan and gluten-free: Made with chickpea flour and gluten-free panko bread crumbs, these wings are suitable for both vegan and gluten-free diets.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, and the baking method makes them much healthier than deep-fried options.
• Perfect for sharing: These cauliflower wings are a great option for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. Serve with vegan ranch and veggies for the ultimate snack!
• Flavor-packed: With a bold blend of spices and hot sauce, these wings deliver all the flavor you crave without the meat!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 head of cauliflower
• ¾ cup chickpea flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• Salt + pepper to taste
• ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup water
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free panko bread crumbs (or rice breading crumbs)
• 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
• 2 tbsp vegan butter

Directions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Chop the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Make the Batter:

3. Prepare the batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine chickpea flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the almond milk and water, and mix well to form a smooth batter.

Coat the Cauliflower:

4. Dip the florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the panko bread crumbs to ensure it’s fully covered.
5. Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are about 1 inch apart for even baking.

Bake the Cauliflower:

6. Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
7. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small bowl, then mix it with Frank’s RedHot Sauce until well combined.

Coat with Buffalo Sauce:

8. Toss in the sauce: Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove them from the oven. Using tongs, dip each floret into the hot sauce mixture, coating it evenly.
9. Return to the baking sheet: Place the coated florets back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
10. Broil for extra crispiness: Turn the oven to broil and broil the cauliflower for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Serve:

11. Serve: Serve the Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings” with celery, carrots, and a side of vegan ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Serves 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add extra cayenne pepper to the batter or use a spicier hot sauce for more heat.
• Sweet and spicy: Mix a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave into the buffalo sauce for a sweet twist.
• Vegan ranch dipping sauce: Make a quick vegan ranch dressing using vegan mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a splash of lemon juice.
• Air fryer option: Cook the breaded cauliflower florets in an air fryer at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a quicker, even crispier result.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cauliflower buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked cauliflower wings for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. Microwaving may cause them to lose some crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of chickpea flour?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but chickpea flour adds a nice flavor and is gluten-free.

2. Are these wings really crispy?

Yes! The panko bread crumbs give the cauliflower a crunchy, crispy coating. Baking them twice helps achieve a great texture.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and gluten-free flour to make them fully gluten-free.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the cauliflower and coat it with batter and panko breadcrumbs, then store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just bake and sauce when you’re ready.

5. Can I use other hot sauces?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different hot sauces depending on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, use a less spicy sauce, or for a sweeter flavor, try a honey-based hot sauce.

6. How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

For even more crispiness, spray the cauliflower with a little cooking spray before baking, or broil them for an additional 2 minutes after baking.

7. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

You can, but fresh cauliflower is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before coating.

8. How spicy are these wings?

The heat level is moderate, but you can easily adjust it by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier hot sauce.

9. How do I make the cauliflower less soggy?

Make sure to bake the cauliflower until it’s crispy before coating it with the buffalo sauce. You can also broil it for a couple of minutes after coating to achieve extra crispiness.

10. Can I make a vegan version of ranch dressing to go with these?

Yes! Simply combine vegan mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs, and salt to create a creamy and flavorful ranch dip.

Conclusion

These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings” are a perfect combination of spicy, crunchy, and flavorful, with all the deliciousness of traditional buffalo wings but in a healthier, plant-based form. Whether you’re serving them for a game day snack, party appetizer, or just a fun meal, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something crispy and spicy!

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