Vegetarian Buffalo Wings Recipe That Everyone Will Love

If you’re craving the spicy kick of classic buffalo wings but want to keep things vegetarian, you’re in for a treat! This vegetarian buffalo wings recipe delivers all the bold flavor and satisfying crunch without any chicken.

Using hearty cauliflower florets as the base, these wings are tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat and tanginess. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a flavorful snack, these wings are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and utterly addictive.

Not only are they simple to make, but they’re also a healthier alternative that everyone – vegetarians and meat-eaters alike – will enjoy. Whether you bake or air fry them, the process is straightforward and yields delicious results.

Ready to spice up your appetizer game? Let’s dive into this tasty, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian buffalo wings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings without meat. Cauliflower serves as the perfect vegetable substitute, absorbing the sauce beautifully while maintaining a satisfying crunch.

Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

The recipe is versatile—you can bake or air fry the wings depending on your preference and equipment. It’s quick to prepare and requires simple pantry staples, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or weeknight snacks.

If you love spicy food but want to keep your meals plant-based, this recipe hits all the marks with bold flavor and easy preparation.

For more delicious vegetarian meals, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• Optional: ranch or blue cheese-style vegan dressing for dipping

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier wings)
• Brush for applying oil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Air fryer (optional, if you prefer air frying)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet.
2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, 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. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer.
4. Bake the florets: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the batter is firm and starting to brown.
5. Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a small bowl. Stir well until fully blended.
6. Toss the cauliflower in sauce: Remove the florets from the oven and gently toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
7. Return to oven: Place the coated florets back onto the baking sheet or rack and bake for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp up the wings.
8. Serve immediately: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or carrot sticks.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy wings, try air frying the battered cauliflower at 400°F for 15 minutes before tossing in buffalo sauce and air frying for another 5 minutes.

You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the buffalo sauce.

If cauliflower isn’t your favorite, try this recipe with broccoli florets or even firm tofu cubes. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend in the batter.

Want a creamier dip? Whip up a quick vegan ranch dressing or try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to make a rich dip variation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian buffalo wings are best served hot and fresh with cooling sides to balance the heat. Classic accompaniments include celery and carrot sticks, which add a refreshing crunch.

Pair the wings with a creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dip for the perfect bite.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or baked sweet potato fries. You can also incorporate them into a party platter with chips, guacamole, and other finger foods.

Check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for complementary dishes that will round out your menu.

Conclusion

These vegetarian buffalo wings are a flavorful, satisfying alternative to traditional wings that anyone can enjoy. The crispy, spicy cauliflower bites deliver all the boldness of buffalo sauce in a plant-based package that’s perfect for appetizers, snacks, or game day celebrations.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels.

Whether you bake or air fry them, the result is deliciously crispy wings packed with flavor and heat. They’re also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adjust spice levels and dipping sauces to suit your mood.

Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, and don’t forget to explore more of our vegetarian recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to accompany your meal.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy snacking!

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