Vegan Cauliflower Wings: Crispy & Flavorful

If you're looking for the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying main dish, these Vegan Cauliflower Wings are exactly what you need. They're crispy, bursting with flavor, and offer a healthier twist on traditional chicken wings. Whether you're planning for a game day treat, party snack, or a family meal, this recipe will hit the spot for vegans and non-vegans alike. The secret? Perfectly seasoned cauliflower, a flavorful coating, and a touch of spice—let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love These Vegan Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower wings have become a go-to vegan alternative to classic chicken wings, and it’s easy to see why. They’re:

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and sauces to suit your taste buds.
• Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside: With the right technique, you’ll get that satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Completely plant-based: No need for eggs, dairy, or meat here—this recipe is fully vegan.
• Healthier: While indulgent, these wings are lower in fat and calories than their meat-based counterparts.

Ingredients for Vegan Cauliflower Wings

To make a delicious batch of vegan cauliflower wings, you’ll need the following:

For the Cauliflower Wings:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (you can also use gluten-free flour if needed)
• 1 cup of unsweetened plant milk (like almond, oat, or soy milk)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (adds a subtle smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (optional, but adds a cheesy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko works great for a crunchier texture)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon of vegan butter, melted (for that classic buffalo wing taste)
• ¼ cup of buffalo sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (adds depth and richness to the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari (for umami)
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (to balance the flavors)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Vegan Cauliflower Wings

1. Preheat Your Oven

Before you start, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower

Wash your cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

3. Mix the Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. The batter should be thick but smooth—just enough to coat the cauliflower florets evenly.

Tip: The cornstarch is key for a crispy finish. It helps create that crunchy texture without frying.

4. Coat the Cauliflower

Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Once coated, roll each floret in the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of crunch. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece so they can crisp up nicely.

5. Bake the Cauliflower Wings

Pop the cauliflower into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, flip the florets over to ensure even browning on all sides. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done.

6. Prepare the Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the buffalo sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and vegan butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more maple syrup to balance the heat.

7. Toss the Wings in Sauce

Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven. In a large bowl, toss the baked cauliflower wings with the prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. If you prefer a saucier wing, feel free to add more sauce!

8. Return to Oven

Place the sauced cauliflower wings back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly and enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Your vegan cauliflower wings are now ready to serve! They’re perfect with a side of vegan ranch dip, celery sticks, and carrot sticks—just like traditional wings. For an added twist, serve them with some sliced tomatoes on the side for a fresh, tangy contrast. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.

If you’re making these for a crowd, consider serving them alongside other vegan appetizers like guacamole, vegan nachos, or even a plant-based cheese platter.

Customizing Your Vegan Cauliflower Wings

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences:

• Spice Level: If you’re a fan of extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the maple syrup.
• Different Sauces: Don’t feel limited to buffalo sauce! Try a barbecue sauce, teriyaki glaze, or even a garlic parmesan (using vegan cheese) for a different flavor profile.
• Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can cook the cauliflower wings in it for an even crispier texture. Simply follow the same steps but air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.