If you’ve been craving the crispy, flavorful goodness of chicken wings but want to keep it plant-based, this vegan wings recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for game day, parties, or a simple weeknight treat, these wings deliver on texture and taste without any animal products.
Using wholesome ingredients like cauliflower or seitan, these wings get coated in a savory batter, baked or air-fried to perfection, and tossed in your favorite sauce for that irresistible finger-licking experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, plant-curious, or simply looking to reduce your meat intake, these wings are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food in a healthier, cruelty-free way. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can experiment with different sauces and spices to find your perfect flavor combo.
Ready to wow your friends and family with this tasty treat? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan wings recipe checks all the boxes for what makes wings great: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Unlike traditional wings, these are low in saturated fat and free from cholesterol, making them a heart-friendly option.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can bake, air-fry, or deep-fry them depending on your preference and equipment.
The batter is simple but creates a wonderfully crunchy exterior, and the sauce options are endless — from classic buffalo to tangy barbecue or sweet and spicy Asian-inspired glazes.
Best of all, these wings are a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences. Pair them with some crunchy veggies and dip, and you’ve got a perfect appetizer or main dish ready to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for crispier texture)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or fork for tossing wings in sauce
- Cooling rack (optional, for extra crispness)
- Air fryer (optional, if you prefer that method)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.
- Prepare the coating: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl. If you want extra crispiness, you can mix in the olive oil with the panko to lightly coat the crumbs.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs until well covered. Place the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all florets are coated.
- Bake the wings: Bake the cauliflower wings for 20 minutes, then flip them over carefully with tongs or a spatula. Bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Toss in sauce: Remove the baked wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Return to oven: Place the coated wings back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the sauce set.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with vegan ranch or celery sticks.
Tips & Variations
For extra crispy wings, try using an air fryer instead of baking. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
You can swap out cauliflower for other veggies like broccoli or even tofu cubes for a different texture. Feel free to experiment with sauces — barbecue, teriyaki, or even a maple sriracha glaze work beautifully.
If you want a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Adding a teaspoon of nutritional yeast in the batter boosts flavor and adds a cheesy note.
For heat lovers, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce directly to the batter or breadcrumbs.
Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Don’t forget to check out some great vegan sauce recipes to pair with your wings for more flavor inspiration!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 6 wings) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 5g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 4g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan wings hot alongside crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic combo. A creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dip complements the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
For a full meal, pair the wings with a fresh green salad or a bowl of low calorie vegetable soup for something light and nourishing. You can also serve them with vegan mac and cheese or crispy oven fries for a hearty feast.
Hosting a party? These wings are always a hit at gatherings and game day celebrations.
Try making different sauces and let guests mix and match their favorites!
Conclusion
This vegan wings recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavor and fun of traditional wings without any animal products. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a crispy, saucy, and utterly delicious appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to try something new, these wings deliver on texture and taste. Plus, they’re customizable and easy to prepare in your oven or air fryer.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious plant-based recipes like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Wings Recipe
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegan wings made from cauliflower and a spicy 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 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g. Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk almond milk, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to make batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets into batter, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated florets on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While baking, mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and toss in the sauce mixture.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy.
- Serve hot with vegan ranch or celery sticks.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 30 g
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