Description
Crispy and spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, a perfect vegan appetizer for game day or any gathering. These oven-baked wings are coated in a flavorful batter, baked to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy vinegar-based hot sauce with a touch of maple syrup for subtle sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Cooling Ranch Dip (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Gradually add the unsweetened vegan milk, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, approximately the size of traditional chicken wings for even cooking.
- Coat the florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter to coat it completely, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to cover all sides. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the wings: Bake the coated cauliflower wings in the preheated oven for 25-27 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they become golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, remaining garlic powder, and maple syrup, mixing until combined and heated through.
- Toss wings in sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are baked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Arrange the buffalo cauliflower wings on a serving platter with a cooling ranch dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the battered florets lightly with oil before baking.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety.
- Maple syrup adds a nice balance of sweetness, but you can substitute with agave or omit it for a spicier sauce.
- These wings are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wing
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 157 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
