Best Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe

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Zesty vegan buffalo wings made with crispy golden cauliflower bites. A healthy and plant-based alternative to chicken wings.

It took me a while to come up with this delicious vegan buffalo wings recipe but I finally nailed it!

The perfect tang, the perfect heat – but not too much, just the right amount of seasoning and coating to allow the buffalo sauce to stick appropriately.

These vegan chicken wings are perfect for serving at a Super Bowl party or any fun, friendly gathering.

Back in the day when I was a professional dancer in Las Vegas, and when I ate animal-based products, heading out at 2 am with my dancer friends to grab a plate of spicy buffalo chicken wings, after doing two shows was the norm.

Now, since being fully plant-based, I have been on the lookout for a quality vegan buffalo wings recipe but couldn’t find one that was just right.

So I decided to work on my own recipe, and after much trial and error, I feel I finally did it!

I cannot wait for you to try these vegan buffalo wings, and for you to let me know what you think about this recipe.

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Kitchen Tools Used

baking pan.

silicone sheets. Or unbleached parchment paper.

mixing bowls. I prefer glass. You will need a large, medium, and small bowl.

Vegan Buffalo Wings Ingredients

Cauliflower. Look for a medium to large head of cauliflower. I prefer organic.

All-purpose flour. You can also use an all-purpose gluten-free flour if you are gluten sensitive, or whole wheat if you prefer.

Arrowroot powder. I use arrowroot powder as a thickener but you can also use corn starch.

Bread crumbs. Italian bread crumbs are wonderful for this recipe. Just make sure to look at the ingredients label, because many bread crumbs contain dairy, cheese, and egg powder, which is totally not necessary.

Olive oil. I use quality organic extra-virgin olive oil.

Vegan buffalo sauce. It took me a while to find a quality, vegan, not-too-spicy, buffalo sauce. I must have tried a half-dozen brands. Primal Kitchen’s mild buffalo sauce is the one I ended up using.

Nutritional yeast (optional). This isn’t absolutely necessary but if you want to add just a touch of cheesy flavor, add about one-quarter cup.

Butter leaf lettuce (optional). I love to place vegan buffalo wings over a fresh, crisp bed of greens to mop up the sauce. So delicious to eat after the buffalo cauliflower wings.

Fresh chives (optional). You can also use freshly chopped Italian parsley.

optional servings suggestions

• Vegan ranch dressing
• Vegan honey-mustard dressing
• Fresh carrot sticks
• Fresh sliced celery

How To Make Vegan Buffalo Wings

NOTE. For the exact measurements, full recipe, and nutritional information, please see the printable recipe card below.

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F

Line the baking pan with a silicone baking sheet or unbleached parchment paper.

Rinse and pat dry cauliflower. Remove leaves and cut cauliflower into bite-sized floret pieces. Set aside.

Assembly Line Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the flour and arrowroot powder. Slowly add the water while stirring vigorously to blend until smooth and creamy without any lumps.

Pour the bread crumbs into a medium bowl. Slowly add the oil while stirring with a fork to blend evenly.

Pour the buffalo sauce into a small bowl. Set aside.

Buffalo Wings Preparation

Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour batter, allowing the excess to drip off.

Place each batter-dipped cauliflower into the breadcrumb bowl. Toss until well coated.

Transfer each floret onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for approximately 5-7 minutes. Flip the florets and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.

Serving Set-Up

Line a couple of serving plates with butter lettuce leaves.

Dip each baked cauliflower floret into the buffalo sauce, let the excess drip off, and then place on the prepared serving platters.

Sprinkle the prepared cauliflower with finely chopped fresh chives.

Recipe Tips For Success

The baking time for these vegan cauliflower wings is variable depending on how crunchy or tender you like cauliflower. The 5-7 minute mark makes tender cauliflower florets but still with a nice bite.

Make sure to toss the cauliflower florets into the breadcrumbs thoroughly. You can even press some of the breadcrumbs into the crevices if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These plant-based wings taste delicious on their own but you can also dip them in a vegan ranch or even a sweet honey-mustard style dressing.

Also consider serving with fresh, crunchy carrots and celery sticks.

How To Store

Store any leftover cauliflower bites in a glass airtight container.

They will remain fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days.

I do not recommend freezing these vegan buffalo wings, as they are best fresh and to be eaten shortly after preparation.

Additional Side-Dish Vegan Recipes

• Easy Quick Pickled Red Onions
• Healthy Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce with Raspberries
• The Best Soft Sourdough Pretzels
• Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe: Vegan and Gluten Free

More Healthy Recipes and Caregiver Support

Let’s Connect

I hope you try this vegan buffalo wings recipe and you love them as much as my family and I do.

They are such a fun way to eat vegetables. Try this recipe with broccoli, green beans, or any other type of veggie too, you won’t be disappointed.

QUESTION: How do you like your vegan buffalo wings? Mild, medium, or spicy?

I am such a spice novice. I can handle a mild spice but as hard as I try, I just cannot go further…ha. Enjoy this recipe and let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Printable Recipe Card To Enjoy

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