Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

Longing for a spicy, flavorful snack that's both indulgent and healthy? Look no further than Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings!

These crispy, tangy bites are a plant-based twist on the classic buffalo wings, offering all the zest without any meat.

Perfect for game days, parties, or simply as a delicious appetizer, these cauliflower wings are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

So now, let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this mouthwatering dish.​

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)​

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder​

• 1 teaspoon onion powder​

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika​

• 1/2 teaspoon salt​

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper​

• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar​

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets​

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)​

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted​

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar​

For Serving:

• Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing

• Celery sticks​

• Carrot sticks​

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).​

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.​

2. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.​

   • In a separate small bowl, mix the unsweetened plant-based milk with the apple cider vinegar to create a vegan buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for a minute to curdle slightly.​

   • Pour the vegan buttermilk into the dry ingredients and whisk until a smooth batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.​

3. Coat the Cauliflower:

   • Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.​

   • Using a slotted spoon or tongs, lift the battered cauliflower, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.​

4. Bake the Cauliflower:

   • Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown.​

   • While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce.​

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup (or agave nectar). Whisk until well blended.​

6. Coat with Buffalo Sauce:

   • After the initial baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven.​

   • Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each cauliflower floret with the buffalo sauce.​

   • Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are crispy and caramelized.​

7. Serve:

   • Once done, remove the cauliflower wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.​

   • Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, accompanied by celery and carrot sticks.​

Tips to make it even more delicious:

• Air Fryer Option: For an extra crispy texture, consider using an air fryer. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. After air frying, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.​

• Gluten-Free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.​

• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder variety. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.​

• Storage and Reheating: While these cauliflower wings are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

These Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick that's sure to please. 💖🥀👇👇