Get ready to test your spice tolerance with these unbelievably delicious vegan buffalo wings. These plant-based wonders perfectly capture the crispy, saucy, and fiery essence of traditional chicken wings, proving that you can enjoy all the flavor without any animal products.
The Ultimate Vegan Wing: Recreating the Crunch
Finding a satisfying substitute for the crispy skin of chicken wings can be tricky. For this recipe, we’ll be using cauliflower, a surprisingly versatile vegetable that transforms beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use an air fryer!)
Vegan Buffalo Wing Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking: From Florets to Fiery Wings
The Perfect Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until a smooth batter forms. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too gloppy.
Cauliflower Transformation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Baking (or Air Frying):
- Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy.
Battered Cauliflower for Vegan Wings
The Heat is On: The Signature Buffalo Sauce
The key to any great buffalo wing is the sauce! This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful blend of hot sauce, vegan butter, and spices. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce quantity to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup your favorite hot sauce (we like Frank’s RedHot!)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Creating the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the hot sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Vegan Buffalo Sauce Simmering
The Final Touch: Coatin’ Those Wings
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower wings to a large bowl.
- Pour the hot buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss to coat evenly.
“The key to perfectly saucy vegan wings is to toss them gently while they’re still hot. This helps the sauce adhere beautifully!” – Chef Mia Verde
Serving Up the Spice:
Serve your hot and crispy vegan buffalo wings immediately. They’re perfect for game day snacks, parties, or just a satisfying plant-based indulgence.
Vegan Buffalo Wings Plated
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
You can bake or air fry the cauliflower florets in advance. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until crispy before tossing them in the sauce.
What can I serve with vegan buffalo wings?
These wings are delicious with classic sides like vegan ranch dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and potato wedges.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by using more or less hot sauce in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?
While cauliflower works best, you can experiment with other vegetables like broccoli florets or even king oyster mushrooms.
How do I store leftover vegan buffalo wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
