Are you craving the irresistible crunch and bold flavors of chicken wings but want to keep things vegetarian? Look no further!
This vegetarian chicken wings recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the idea of wings but prefers a plant-based diet. Using hearty and flavorful ingredients like cauliflower or seitan, these wings are coated in a perfectly spiced batter, baked or fried to golden perfection, and tossed in your favorite tangy sauce.
Whether you’re preparing for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or just a fun weeknight treat, these wings will satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary choices.
Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to make at home. You can customize the sauce from classic buffalo to sweet and smoky BBQ, making this recipe a perfect addition to your vegetarian cooking repertoire.
Plus, they’re a fantastic conversation starter for guests who might be skeptical about vegetarian dishes. Ready to dive into making wings that everyone will love?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian chicken wings recipe is a delicious, guilt-free alternative to traditional wings. Using cauliflower or seitan, it provides a satisfying texture that mimics the bite of chicken wings while keeping it completely plant-based.
The batter crisps up beautifully, locking in moisture and flavor, while the sauce adds that signature punch of heat or sweetness.
Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this recipe is quick to prepare and customized to suit your taste buds. It’s also an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing fun and flavor.
Plus, these wings freeze and reheat well, making them a convenient make-ahead snack.
For those interested in exploring more vegetarian and vegan delights, be sure to check out other exciting recipes like Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cauliflower florets (or seitan strips for a meatier texture) | 1 medium head (about 4 cups) or 12 oz seitan |
All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
Cornstarch | 1/4 cup |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Onion powder | 1 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
Plant-based milk (unsweetened, e.g., almond or soy) | 3/4 cup |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) | 3/4 cup |
Olive oil spray or vegetable oil (for baking or frying) | As needed |
Equipment
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon or tongs
- Cooling rack (optional but recommended)
- Oven or air fryer
- Small saucepan (if making homemade sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add plant-based milk to the dry ingredients, whisking until you have a smooth, thick batter that can coat the cauliflower or seitan well.
- Dip each cauliflower floret (or seitan strip) into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess batter drip off before placing on the prepared baking sheet or directly into the air fryer basket.
- Bake or air fry: For baking, spray the coated pieces lightly with olive oil spray and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even crispiness. For air frying, cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
- While the wings cook, warm your buffalo or BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Once baked or air-fried to a golden crisp, toss the wings in the warm sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Return the coated wings to the baking sheet or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and caramelize slightly.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese (vegan versions available).
Tips & Variations
“For extra crispy wings, double-dip your cauliflower in the batter and then in a breadcrumb mixture before baking.”
Try swapping cauliflower for seitan or oyster mushrooms to change up the texture. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki, honey mustard (using agave or maple syrup), or spicy Korean gochujang glaze for unique flavor profiles. If you want to make this recipe even easier, prepare the wings in an air fryer for a faster cooking time and less oil.
Don’t forget to explore related recipes like Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to complement your wings with authentic sides and wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 6 wings) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Protein | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Note: Nutrition varies slightly depending on sauce choice and cooking method.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian chicken wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like crunchy celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dips. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or baked sweet potato fries.
Wrap these wings in soft tortillas or homemade flatbreads for a quick wrap meal. To learn how to make soft, delicious wraps at home, check out the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
For an exciting party platter, combine the wings with other vegetarian appetizers such as Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or your favorite sides from Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
With this vegetarian chicken wings recipe, you can enjoy all the fun and flavor of classic wings without any meat. The crispy batter, bold spices, and tangy sauce come together in a dish that pleases vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply craving a tasty snack, these wings are a fantastic plant-based option that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.
By experimenting with different sauces and cooking methods, you can keep this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it. Don’t forget to pair your wings with tasty sides and dips, and explore more delicious vegetarian recipes on the site to expand your culinary horizons.
Happy cooking and enjoy your wings!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Chicken Wings
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegetarian chicken wings made with cauliflower florets and a tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place coated florets on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl.
- Toss baked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Return to oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
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