I’ve discovered the ultimate game-day snack that’ll impress both your vegan and non-vegan friends alike. These crispy buffalo cauliflower wings deliver that perfect spicy kick without any animal products. They’re surprisingly easy to make, with a simple batter that transforms humble cauliflower into something truly crave-worthy. The secret? Getting that perfect crispy exterior before tossing in tangy buffalo sauce. Want to know how I achieve that restaurant-quality crunch right in my own kitchen?
Why You’ll Love these Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If you’re looking for a game-day snack that won’t leave your vegan friends out of the fun, I’ve got you covered with these incredible cauliflower wings.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely smothered in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for anyone trying to eat more veggies or cut back on meat.
What I love most about these wings? They satisfy that craving for something spicy and finger-licking good, without any animal products.
Plus, they’re way easier to make than you might think. Just batter, bake, sauce, and bake again. Simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for company.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Making vegan buffalo cauliflower wings requires just a handful of simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. The magic happens when these basic components come together—transforming humble cauliflower into something so satisfying that even dedicated wing lovers might do a double-take.
I’m always amazed at how something so plant-based can deliver such big flavor and that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture.
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Vegan ranch dressing (for serving)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially with the buffalo sauce—it’s the star flavor, after all. Most store-bought buffalo sauces are naturally vegan, but it’s always good to check the label.
And don’t skip the serving suggestions! The cooling vegan ranch creates the perfect temperature contrast with the spicy wings, while crisp celery sticks add freshness and crunch. These complementary sides aren’t just traditional wing accompaniments; they balance the whole experience.
How to Make these Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Making these vegan buffalo cauliflower wings is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Start by preheating your oven to a hot 450°F—this high temperature is essential for achieving that irresistible crispy exterior.
While the oven heats up, take 1 cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. The prep work is minimal, which is part of what makes this recipe such a weeknight winner.
Next comes the batter, which transforms ordinary cauliflower into something extraordinary. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of plant milk (I find oat milk works beautifully here, but any plant milk will do), 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika until smooth.
This seasoned batter is what gives the cauliflower its flavor foundation and helps the buffalo sauce cling later on. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it completely but letting excess drip off, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet without crowding—crowded wings won’t crisp properly, and nobody wants soggy wings, right?
Bake for 20 minutes until the batter sets and begins to crisp. Meanwhile, mix ½ cup buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl, which creates the perfect consistency for coating.
After the initial bake, brush or drizzle this spicy mixture over each piece, then return to the oven for 10 more minutes until they’re gloriously crispy and caramelized at the edges. For even crispier, more evenly cooked results, consider using a high-end vegan air fryer instead of a conventional oven.
What to Serve with Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Accompaniments can truly elevate these crispy vegan buffalo cauliflower wings from a simple appetizer to a complete meal experience.
The recipe already suggests vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks, which provide that classic cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
I like to add carrot sticks alongside the celery for extra crunch and color.
For a heartier spread, consider serving these wings with a side of vegan coleslaw, potato wedges, or a simple green salad.
Want to make it a complete meal? Pair with vegan mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Leftovers and Storage for these Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
While these cauliflower wings are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, proper storage can help maintain their delicious flavor and texture for later snacking.
I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, skip the microwave (trust me on this one). Instead, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore that wonderful crispiness.
The air fryer works beautifully too—just 5 minutes at 350°F and they’re practically good as new.
Cold cauliflower wings? Not exactly the culinary dream we’re after.
Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Substitutions and Variations
Now that we’ve covered storage, let’s talk about making this recipe truly your own!
You can swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour if you’re avoiding gluten. Not a fan of buffalo sauce? Try BBQ, teriyaki, or sweet chili instead. The milk can be any plant milk—oat, almond, or soy all work perfectly.
For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your batter.
Want a spicier kick? Mix some cayenne into your sauce. You can even try roasting instead of baking for a different texture.
These cauliflower wings are so versatile, you’ll never get bored.
Final Thoughts
After experimenting with these cauliflower wings countless times, I’m convinced they’re one of the best vegan appetizers you’ll ever make.
There’s something magical about that crispy exterior giving way to tender cauliflower inside, all coated in spicy buffalo sauce.
What I love most is how they’re crowd-pleasers for everyone, not just vegans.
Can you imagine serving these at your next game day gathering? Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “touchdown.”
Remember to serve them immediately for maximum crispiness.
The combination of Frank’s hot sauce and two rounds of baking creates that perfect spicy kick that makes these wings irresistible.
The perfect balance of heat, crunch, and plant-based goodness.