Best Vegan Hot Wings Recipe for Crispy, Spicy Flavor

If you’re craving the spicy, tangy, and crispy goodness of hot wings but want to keep it entirely plant-based, you’re in the right place! This best vegan hot wings recipe delivers all the heat and flavor you love without any chicken.

Made with crispy cauliflower florets tossed in a mouthwatering buffalo-style sauce, these wings are perfect for game days, parties, or a satisfying snack anytime. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just exploring new flavors, these hot wings are sure to impress.

What makes these vegan hot wings stand out is their perfect balance of crispiness and sauciness. The cauliflower cooks up tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, while the sauce packs just the right punch of heat with a touch of sweetness.

Plus, they’re easy to make, versatile, and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan hot wings have never been this delicious and simple. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple:

• Crispy Texture: Baking or air-frying cauliflower creates a satisfyingly crunchy coating without deep-frying.
• Bold Flavor: The buffalo sauce is tangy, spicy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness to keep things exciting.
• Healthy Alternative: Packed with fiber and vitamins from cauliflower, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Allergy-Friendly: This recipe is free from dairy, eggs, and gluten (if you use gluten-free flour), making it suitable for many dietary needs.
• Easy To Customize: You can adjust the spice level or switch up the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot for that classic buffalo flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Fresh celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (for melting vegan butter)
• Optional: Air fryer (if you prefer air frying over baking)

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 flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the plant-based milk and whisk until smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
3. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake the cauliflower: Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the batter is set and begins to crisp up.
5. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the hot sauce and maple syrup until combined.
6. Toss the baked cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat evenly.
7. Return to oven: Spread the coated cauliflower back onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, flipping once, until the sauce caramelizes slightly and the wings are extra crispy.
8. Serve immediately with fresh celery sticks and your favorite vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

“For crispier wings, air fry the coated cauliflower at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.”

• Adjust the heat: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicier, or reduce the sauce for milder wings.
• Try different sauces: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce, teriyaki glaze, or a spicy Sriracha mayo for a flavor twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your hot sauce is gluten-free.
• Add crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on the batter-coated cauliflower before baking.
• Make it extra saucy: Warm additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan hot wings pair perfectly with classic sides and dips. Serve them alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing contrast.

A creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing helps cool down the heat and adds richness. For a full meal, consider pairing with a crisp Kansas City Coleslaw Recipe or some baked sweet potato fries for a deliciously satisfying spread.

If you want to keep exploring vegan delights, you might also enjoy the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or whip up some homemade bread with the Marzipan Challah Recipe to complement your wings.

Conclusion

This best vegan hot wings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the spicy, crispy goodness of traditional wings without any animal products. The combination of crispy baked cauliflower and bold buffalo sauce delivers a flavor-packed experience that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Easy to prepare and highly customizable, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a tasty snack. Plus, it’s a wonderful introduction to plant-based eating for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just want something fun and fiery, these vegan hot wings are guaranteed to hit the spot. Don’t forget to check out other creative recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe for some fresh homemade breads or the savory Lump Of Coal Recipe to round out your plant-based culinary adventure.

Happy cooking!

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