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Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo “Wings”


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  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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!


Ingredients

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


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
  2. Make 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.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower:
    Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it thoroughly, then roll it in the panko bread crumbs to ensure it’s fully covered.
  4. 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.
  5. Bake the Cauliflower:
    Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
  6. 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.
  7. Coat with Buffalo 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. Return the coated florets back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
  8. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
    Turn the oven to broil and broil the cauliflower for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
  9. Serve:
    Serve the Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo ‘Wings’ with celery, carrots, and a side of vegan ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

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.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (4-5 wings)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg