Vegan Cauliflower Wings Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Looking for a delicious, plant-based alternative to traditional chicken wings? These vegan cauliflower wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for game day, parties, or any casual meal.

Cauliflower is a fantastic vegetable that soaks up sauces beautifully, making it an ideal base for a vegan wing recipe. Whether you like them spicy, tangy, or smoky, these wings deliver all the satisfaction of classic wings without any animal products.

This recipe combines a simple batter with a bold buffalo-style sauce, creating a crispy coating that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, baking instead of frying keeps it healthier and easier to prepare.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a guilt-free, crowd-pleasing appetizer? Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible vegan cauliflower wings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan cauliflower wings are a perfect blend of crispy and saucy, capturing all the flavors you love in traditional wings but with a plant-based twist. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients, and bake up beautifully in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option.

Not only are they vegan and gluten-friendly if you use gluten-free flour, but they’re also packed with nutrients from cauliflower, a vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and K. This recipe is versatile—you can customize the sauce to your liking, from spicy buffalo to tangy BBQ or even a sweet Asian glaze.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to eat more plants, these wings are a fantastic appetizer or snack that everyone will enjoy. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, making every bite a delight!

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your choice)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
• Whisk or fork for mixing batter
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Basting brush (optional, for applying sauce)
• Oven or air fryer

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
3. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully covered. Let excess batter drip off before placing the florets on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between pieces for even baking.
4. Bake the florets: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
5. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Mix the melted butter into the buffalo sauce until combined.
6. Toss the cauliflower in sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the florets and toss gently until each piece is well coated.
7. Final bake: Return the coated florets to the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the sauce is set and the wings are crispy at the edges.
8. Serve hot: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little cornstarch or rice flour into your batter.

You can customize these wings with different sauces to suit your taste. Try a tangy BBQ sauce, a sweet chili glaze, or even a garlicky tahini drizzle.

For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of liquid smoke to the batter or sauce.

If air frying, cook the battered cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Toss in sauce and air fry for an additional 5 minutes to set.

To make the batter gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free as well.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cauliflower wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. For dipping, vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dressings work perfectly.

Serve them alongside your favorite plant-based burgers or as part of a larger appetizer spread. They also make a great finger food addition to potlucks or game day parties.

For a complete meal, try pairing these wings with a fresh salad or some roasted potatoes. If you love cauliflower, check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to explore more veggie-focused dishes.

Conclusion

Vegan cauliflower wings are a fantastic way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic comfort food. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they offer a crispy, saucy bite that’s sure to satisfy your wing cravings without any animal products.

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with different sauces and cooking methods to find your perfect wing style.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a tasty snack, or simply want to add more vegetables to your meals, these cauliflower wings are a winner. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share the joy of delicious, vegan eats with family and friends.

For more inspiring vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

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