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Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Avatar photoByJasmine
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 127 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a fun and flavorful plant-based snack that even meat-eaters will love, you’ve got to try this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe. I absolutely love how these bite-sized florets turn out—crispy on the outside with just the right amount of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce on top. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or simply craving something satisfying, these wings will become your new go-to. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your cauliflower wings come out perfect every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Flavorful: The combination of spices in both the batter and buffalo sauce packs a punch you’ll love.
  • Crispy Perfection: Baking the cauliflower just right gives it that crispy edge without deep frying.
  • Versatile & Easy: You can make these in the oven or air fryer, and they come together quickly.
  • Great for Everyone: Vegan, gluten-free options included, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
A white plate holds a circular arrangement with four main parts: crispy, golden-brown cauliflower pieces with a rough, crunchy texture at the bottom and top right; bright green celery sticks on the left side with smooth, shiny surfaces; bright orange carrot sticks on the right side with a slightly matte texture; and a glass bowl in the center filled with thick, creamy white dip sprinkled with small black herb bits. A woman's hand is dipping one cauliflower piece into the creamy sauce. Two lime wedges with light green skin and juicy texture sit on the white marbled surface near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo cauliflower bites, spicy vegan party snacks, crispy plant-based wings, dairy-free buffalo cauliflower this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a savory, spicy batter and a tangy buffalo sauce. I recommend grabbing fresh cauliflower that’s firm and white for the best texture, plus cashew milk for that creamy yet neutral base.

Flat lay of a small head of fresh cauliflower, a small mound of brown rice flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl of white vinegar, a small white bowl of unsweetened cashew milk, a small white bowl of clear water, whole uncracked brown eggs not present (recipe does not call for eggs), scattered individual piles of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper each artistically arranged on the white marble surface, all fresh and natural, no packaging, no duplicates, no utensils, perfectly symmetrical and balanced composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo cauliflower bites, spicy vegan party snacks, crispy plant-based wings, dairy-free buffalo cauliflower
  • Cauliflower: Go for a small head with firm florets to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Brown Rice Flour: This gives a nice light batter; feel free to swap for your favorite gluten-free flour or regular flour if you prefer.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential aromatics that add depth to the batter and sauce.
  • Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: These spices provide warmth and that signature buffalo kick—adjust cayenne if you like it milder or hotter.
  • Cumin: A subtle earthy warmth that balances the spicy elements nicely.
  • Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To bring out all those rich flavors without overpowering.
  • Unsweetened Cashew Milk: Creamy and neutral, perfect for combining with flour to coat the cauliflower evenly.
  • Water: Helps create the perfect batter consistency.
  • White Vinegar: Adds tang to the buffalo sauce, mimicking that classic wing zing.
  • Tomato Paste: Boosts the sauce’s richness and color, so it looks just like the real deal.
  • Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing: Perfect for dipping, and you can make your own or pick one up at the store for convenience.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked the spice levels and even swapped out a few ingredients depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it easy to tailor to your taste buds.

  • Mild Version: I once made this for a family gathering with kids, so I reduced the cayenne and added more paprika and garlic powder—everyone still went crazy over it!
  • Air Fryer Method: Instead of baking, toss the coated cauliflower in your air fryer at 400°F for about 15 minutes. It crisps up beautifully and saves oven space.
  • Extra Smoky: Adding a dash of smoked paprika really ups the flavor game if you’re craving that smoky wing vibe.
  • Serve With Different Dips: I sometimes swap ranch for vegan blue cheese or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip for a fresh twist.

How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Prep for the Ranch Dip

If you’re making your own dairy-free ranch dressing, start by soaking your cashews. I usually let them soak while prepping the cauliflower—this little time-saving trick helps the cashews soften and blend into that creamy ranch I love. Ready-made ranch works great here, too, if you’re short on time!

Step 2: Mix Up the Batter for the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut your cauliflower into small bite-sized florets—smaller bites cook more evenly and get crispier. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour and all the spices for the batter. Slowly add in the cashew milk and water, mixing until you get a smooth, thick batter.

Step 3: Coat and Bake the Cauliflower

Place the cauliflower pieces in a large bowl, then pour the batter over them. Stir gently to coat every floret evenly—this step is where patience pays off! Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on your baking tray so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through to get that perfect golden crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Wing Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the buffalo sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. I like to simmer mine gently over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the flavors really blend and intensifies the tangy spice we all crave.

Step 5: Sauce and Final Bake

Take the cauliflower out of the oven and brush each floret generously with the buffalo sauce. I use a silicone brush for this—it’s super easy to get an even coat without making a mess. Pop them back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway again. This final bake helps the sauce caramelize slightly and stick beautifully without sogginess.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings hot with your dairy-free ranch on the side. I promise, once you try dunking these crispy, spicy bites in cool ranch, you might never go back to traditional wings!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

  • Even Coating: Take your time coating the florets in batter to avoid clumps—this helps each piece get crispy and flavorful.
  • Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze, trust me, you’ll thank yourself.
  • Brush, Don’t Dunk: When applying the buffalo sauce, brushing helps keep the batter crispier than dipping.
  • Flip Thoughtfully: Flipping halfway through baking ensures even cooking and avoids soggy bottoms.

How to Serve Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

A white plate with three sections holds different foods arranged around a small clear glass bowl of creamy, white dip with sprinkled herbs on top. The bowl sits in the center, and a single green celery stick is dipped into the creamy mixture, standing upright. Surrounding the bowl, there are crispy, golden-brown fried cauliflower pieces across most of the plate, bright green celery sticks on the left side, and bright orange carrot sticks on the right side. The whole plate is placed on a white marbled surface with lime wedges and a blue and white striped cloth visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings, vegan buffalo cauliflower bites, spicy vegan party snacks, crispy plant-based wings, dairy-free buffalo cauliflower

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the wings right before serving. They add a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spicy sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a little celery salt can add an extra zing reminiscent of traditional buffalo wings.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are always crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks—classic accompaniments that help cool down the heat. Occasionally, I bring out some crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh kale salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or parties, I love serving these wings on a wooden board with a big bowl of ranch in the center and celery sticks fanned out around it. Another fun idea is to stuff the wings into slider buns with vegan ranch slaw for a casual handheld treat that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wings keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always recommend placing a paper towel underneath to absorb any moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wings before, and they thaw surprisingly well. Just freeze them spread out on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. When you’re ready, bake or air fry straight from frozen to bring back their crispiness.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the wings in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. This refreshes their crispness way better than the microwave, which can turn them limp.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! I use brown rice flour here, which is naturally gluten-free, but you can also swap in chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure your flour choice creates a batter thick enough to coat the cauliflower well.

  2. What’s the best way to get these wings extra crispy?

    Patience and technique are key. Make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly without clumps, spread them in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Using a hot oven (450°F) helps the batter crisp up, and brushing the sauce rather than dipping preserves that crunch after baking.

  3. Can I use another plant-based milk instead of cashew milk?

    For sure! Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk works well too. Just avoid sweetened varieties to keep the balance of flavors right. Cashew milk is my favorite because it’s creamy but mild in flavor.

  4. Is it possible to air fry these buffalo wings?

    Yes! An air fryer is fantastic for these. Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. This method crisps them up quickly without using oil, making it a healthier twist.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe has truly earned a special spot in my kitchen. It’s my favorite way to enjoy that classic buffalo wing flavor without the meat, and it’s been a crowd-pleaser every time I serve it up. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and healthier snack or appetizer, I’d definitely recommend giving this a try. Trust me—you’ll be dunking these wings in ranch and coming back for seconds sooner than you think!

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Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 25 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a spicy, crispy, and flavorful plant-based appetizer perfect for game day or a tasty snack. Coated in a seasoned batter and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, they deliver all the flavor of traditional buffalo wings without the meat, and they can be made in the oven or air fryer for convenience.

Ingredients

Cauliflower Wings

  • 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

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoon tomato paste

Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

  • 1 recipe dairy-free ranch dressing (prepared separately)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ranch Dressing: If making the ranch dipping sauce yourself, begin by soaking your cashews as required. Once soaked, blend or prepare the ranch dressing according to your recipe and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) for optimal crispiness.
  3. Make the Batter: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the cashew milk and water, mixing well to create a smooth batter.
  4. Coat Cauliflower: Pour the batter over the cauliflower florets and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the seasoned batter.
  5. Bake the Cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets once halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
  6. Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and tomato paste in a small saucepan. Whisk the ingredients together and simmer over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  7. Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Using a silicone brush, generously brush each piece with the buffalo sauce to fully coat them.
  8. Final Bake: Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway to ensure the sauce caramelizes slightly and the coating crisps up.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, accompanied by the chilled dairy-free ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your game day snack!

Notes

  • These cauliflower buffalo wings offer a perfect balance of spice and flavor with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • They make a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings, ideal for sharing at parties or as a snack.
  • If preferred, you can cook the wings in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance to make the wings milder or hotter.
  • Make sure the cauliflower pieces are uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 118 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 732 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Hey there, I’m Jasmine Miller, the foodie behind JmRecipes.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

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