Crispy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Enjoy these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings, a delicious vegan alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Baked to golden perfection, coated in a flavorful batter and panko breadcrumbs, then tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, paired with a cooling ranch dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 3/4 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 cup unsweetened vegan milk (any kind)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup vinegar based hot sauce (such as Franks hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
Optional for Serving
- Cooling ranch dip or preferred vegan dip
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are similar in size for even cooking.
- Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Gradually add the unsweetened vegan milk, stirring until the batter forms a smooth, thick consistency suitable for coating.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is fully coated, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart to prevent sticking and encourage crispiness.
- Bake the Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 27 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through the baking time until the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the vinegar-based hot sauce, garlic powder, and maple syrup until combined and heated through.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and gently toss the crispy wings in the prepared buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a cooling ranch dip or your preferred vegan dip to balance the heat.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The amount of maple syrup can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.
- These wings are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to regain crispness, avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
