Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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This vegan buffalo wings recipe is quick and easy to make in the air fryer. They're crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Simply toss battered cauliflower in homemade buffalo sauce for a delicious dairy free snack.

Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (1)

If you're craving chicken wings on a vegan or plant-based diet, you need to try my breaded cauliflower wings ASAP!

Cauliflower makes a great replacement for these tasty bites and cooking them in the air fryer gives them an unmatched texture. Check out my baked cauliflower wings recipe for a crispier panko crusted bite.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • Buffalo cauliflower wings are flavorful and slightly spicy.
  • Perfect for an afternoon snack, happy hour, appetizer, party, or game day!
Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (2)

Ingredients

These buffalo vegan wings come together with under 10 ingredients and cook in less than 30 minutes.

Here's what you'll need for the cauliflower wings batter:

  • Cauliflower, cut into florets and set aside
  • Flour
  • Dairy-free milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Homemade Vegan Buffalo Sauce:

  • Hot sauce
  • Vegan butter

How to make cauliflower buffalo wings

Start by removing the leaves from the bottom of the cauliflower. Carefully cut around the stem then break the cauliflower into florets.

Cut cauliflower florets into small bite-sized pieces for this recipe. You don't want the florets to be too small but if they're too large, they won't cook as evenly.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, dairy-free milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is too thick, add an extra splash of liquid to thin it out. Toss cauliflower florets in the mixing bowl and coat with batter.

Arrange coated florets on the air fryer basket. Air fry cauliflower wings at 375F for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, melt vegan butter and stir in hot sauce to create homemade buffalo sauce.

Remove cauliflower wings from air fryer and toss in buffalo sauce. Return to air fryer tray. Air fry for a second time at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Remove from air fryer and serve with leftover buffalo sauce and vegan ranch dressing.

Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (3)

Tips & FAQ

How to avoid soggy cauliflower wings: Make sure you aren't adding too much batter or buffalo sauce. When coating the cauliflower florets, let excess batter drip off back into the mixing bowl.

When you're air frying, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. You may have to work in batches for best results. Wait until just before air frying to coat your cauliflower.

What type of air fryer do you use? I currently use the Cuisinart Toaster Oven Air Fryer and love it!

What kind of non-dairy milk should I use? Use your favorite unflavored and unsweetened milk. I usually use soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk.

Can these be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Try using cassava flour or oat flour.

What do you pair with cauliflower wings? Additional fresh veggies like celery, carrots, and peppers pair perfectly with these air fryer cauliflower wings.

Which dipping sauce is the best? Try my homemade vegan ranch dressing!

Related recipes

Want more dairy-free appetizers? Check these out next:

  • Vegan Fried Pickles
  • 4-Ingredient Vegan Buffalo Dip
  • Shish*to Peppers (3 Ways)
  • Dairy-Free Beer Cheese Dip
  • Vegan Buffalo Party Snack Mix
  • Plant-Based Jalapeno Poppers
  • Easy Five Layer Dip Recipe
  • Vegan Skillet Queso Dip

I hope you enjoy my dairy-free and egg-free cauliflower wings as much as we do! They're the ultimate allergy-friendly and vegan snack. If you give them a try, please share a photo with me over onInstagram.

Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (4)

Vegan Buffalo Wings

Author: Jenna Urben

This vegan buffalo wings recipe is quick and easy to make in the air fryer. They're crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Simply toss battered cauliflower in homemade buffalo sauce for a delicious dairy free snack.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Servings 4 servings

Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dairy-free milk (add up to ½ cup more for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup hot sauce (we like frank's redhot)
  • 2-4 tablespoons plant-based butter melted

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, dairy-free milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If the mixture is too thick, add an extra splash of liquid to thin it out.

  • Toss cauliflower florets in the mixing bowl and coat with batter. Let excess batter drip off then transfer to the air fryer basket.

  • Arrange florets in an even layer then air fry at 375F for 10-12 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, melt vegan butter and stir in hot sauce to create homemade buffalo sauce.

  • Remove cauliflower wings from air fryer and toss in buffalo sauce.

  • Return to air fryer tray and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.

  • Remove from air fryer and serve with leftover buffalo sauce and vegan ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 1492mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 440IUVitamin C: 92mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

Suggested Equipment

Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (8)

More Dairy Free Appetizer Recipes

  • Dairy Free Pesto
  • Kale Pesto
  • Polish Dill Pickles
  • Mango Habanero Salsa

About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Linda

    Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (13)
    These were fabulous. Had my doubts about batter in an air fryer but they came out nice and light. Definitely a keeper.

    Reply

    • Jenna Urben

      I'm so happy to hear that, Linda 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply

Cauliflower Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe - The Urben Life (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in wholly veggie vegan buffalo cauliflower wings? ›

Ingredients: Cauliflower, Panko coating (water, rice flour, pea protein, non GMO canola oil, dextrose, baking soda, yellow corn flour, rice flour, potato starch, rice starch, sea salt, sunflower oil, spices, yeast extract, ancho pepper powder, xanthan gum).

Are the cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings vegan? ›

This is because the coating can sometimes contain animal products, like milk or honey, or they're deep-fried in animal fat. The cauliflower wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, for example, are meat-free, but they're not vegan because they're cooked in beef fat.

Why are my cauliflower wings soggy? ›

Why are my cauliflower wings soggy? If your buffalo cauliflower wings are soggy coming out of the oven, it is possible your oven was not hot enough. In order to get these baked cauliflower wings extra crispy, it is important to use high heat. If your oven tends to run on the cool side, turn up the heat to 450°F.

Are cauliflower wings healthier than chicken wings? ›

Unlike chicken wings, cauliflower is free of cholesterol and low in fat and saturated fat. It's also packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a powerful food for heart health!

How do you cook wholly veggie buffalo cauliflower wings? ›

Cooking Instructions: Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange frozen cauliflower into a single layer on a baking sheet. Parchment paper preferred. Bake 23-25 minutes to desired crispness, flipping halfway.

Is Wholly veggie healthy? ›

Free of additives, preservatives, gluten, soy, and GMOs. Just great quality vegetables, simple seasonings and chef-inspired recipes in convenient formats that are delicious, and accessible. By putting more vegetables on more plates, and more seeds in more soil, we're planting for a greener, healthier future.

Why are cauliflower wings so high in calories? ›

Store-bought Buffalo Cauliflower Wings / buffalo cauliflower bites unsurprisingly, can be filled with lots of additives, unhealthy vegetable oils, calorie-heavy panko breadcrumbs, sugar, and hidden dairy products (problematic if you're looking for a vegan option!)

Is the cauliflower chicken at Chick Fil A vegan? ›

Because it's fried in what may be the same peanut oil that the chicken is fried in and is made in facilities that also prep meat, they can't guarantee that it is 100 percent vegetarian. And it's definitely not vegan since the breading includes milk.

Why is buffalo sauce not vegan? ›

Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer to that question is yes. Most hot sauces are perfect for a vegan diet, composed of cayenne pepper, vinegar, and many other plant-based ingredients. Buffalo sauce, however, is a cayenne-based hot sauce with an extra special ingredient, that being equal parts butter.

Why are my cauliflower wings not crispy? ›

To make your vegan wings recipe extra crispy, ensure that the cauliflower florets are well-coated, and shake off any excess batter. Bake them on high heat (450 degrees) and don't overcrowd the baking pan. In the last minute of cooking hit broil to get a nice golden brown crisp.

Why does my cauliflower taste weird? ›

It can also taste bitter from a lack of moisture, uneven watering, waiting too long to harvest, or overcooking.

Why do you soak cauliflower? ›

Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

What are the healthiest wings to eat? ›

Plain Boneless Wings

Plain boneless wings have the lowest amount of calories, sodium, carbohydrates, and saturated fat, with just 80 calories, 4.5g fat, 1g saturated fat, 6g carbs, 4g protein, and 230mg sodium per wing.

What are the best wings to eat on a diet? ›

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

These are the best baked chicken wings around. Cooking the wings in the oven, not the fryer, reduces fat and calories. Just like the original Buffalo wings, these baked Buffalo wings are coated in a tangy, spicy sauce and served with carrots, celery and your favorite creamy dipping sauce.

What are vegan buffalo wings made of? ›

Most vegan chicken wings are made from soy protein or seitan. Seitan is a high-protein vegan meat substitute made from vital wheat gluten. Vital wheat gluten is the natural protein found in wheat. While you can make wings using tofu alone, the seitan is what provides the most meat-like texture and chewiness.

What are vegan hot wings made of? ›

Vegan wings can be made from a variety of different ingredients, including vital wheat gluten (seitan). Cauliflower wings are a popular, lighter option. Soy-based ingredients like tempeh and tofu also make great meatless wings. This recipe uses seitan, tofu, and jackfruit for the most authentic mock chicken texture.

What are veggie grill buffalo wings made of? ›

We would have never thought meatless Buffalo wings could taste so good. The meat replica (made from wheat protein and soy) was juicy, flavorful and surprisingly maintained the flavor and texture of real chicken wings!

What are Pizza Hut vegan wings made of? ›

Pizza Hut has sparked debate among fans after adding “vegan wings” to its menu, leaving some baffled by the bizarre meat alternative. The new “wings” have been added to the chain's new Wingstreet menu. Pizza Hut says the plant-based wings are made from wheat protein and have a meaty like texture to imitate chicken.

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