Because sometimes you want wings—but without the actual wings.
So You’re Craving Wings but Also Veggies? Yeah, Me Too.
Let’s be honest. Buffalo wings are basically the snack MVP. But what if you want all that spicy, tangy goodness without turning into a walking chicken drumstick? Enter: Buffalo cauliflower “wings.” They’re crispy, they’re fiery, and they’re totally vegan. Plus, they come with a homemade vegan ranch dip that’ll make you forget there was ever a “chicken” involved.
So go ahead—embrace the crunch, the heat, and the messy fingers. Your taste buds will thank you, and your soul will feel just a little lighter.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Zero actual wings, 100% wing vibes. Crispy, saucy, and perfect for game day, snacks, or pretending you’re at a sports bar.
- Vegan ranch so good it might convert ranch haters. Creamy, herby, and tangy without the dairy.
- Simple ingredients. No mystery powders or crazy prep needed.
- Bakes, no deep fryer drama. Get crispy without a kitchen explosion.
- Gluten-free-friendly if you swap out the flour for a GF alternative. Because inclusivity is key.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat—your choice)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted (optional but highly recommended)
For the Vegan Ranch Dip:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your cauliflower like a pro.
Wash and cut into bite-sized florets. You want them roughly wing-sized—think finger food, not bite-size pea territory.
2. Make the batter.
In a big bowl, whisk together flour, plant milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly thick—think pancake batter vibes.
3. Coat the florets.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let excess drip off (because soggy = sad).
4. Bake round one.
Place the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. You’re setting the stage for crispy glory.
5. Sauce it up.
While baking, melt the vegan butter and mix it with your buffalo hot sauce. This combo is the holy grail of wing flavor.
6. Toss and bake round two.
When cauliflower is baked and a little crispy, toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Return to the baking sheet and bake another 10 minutes. This step seals the deal.
7. Whip up the vegan ranch.
Mix vegan mayo, plant milk, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
8. Serve with style.
Pile your buffalo cauliflower wings on a plate, slather with vegan ranch, and maybe some celery sticks for good measure. Eat immediately or prepare for total snack domination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dipping florets in sauce before baking. No. Bake first, sauce later, or you’ll get soggy mush.
- Skipping the double bake. The first bake sets the crust; the second seals the sauce and crisps it up. Don’t cheat yourself.
- Using too thin a batter. It won’t stick well, and you’ll have sad, naked cauliflower.
- Overcrowding the pan. Give your florets some space to crisp. They’re not sardines.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No vegan butter? Use olive oil or avocado oil for mixing with the buffalo sauce. Not quite as buttery but still delish.
- Not a fan of hot sauce? Swap it for BBQ sauce or a mix of smoked paprika and maple syrup for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Want a keto version? Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in the batter. (Okay, the pork rinds aren’t vegan, but hey—options!)
- No vegan mayo? Try cashew cream or coconut yogurt for your ranch base.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway. Crispy with less oil—win-win.
Is the vegan ranch really good?
Yes! And if you hate it, blame the dill, not me.
Can I make this ahead?
Make the cauliflower wings and ranch separately. Reheat wings in the oven to keep them crispy. Ranch is best fresh but lasts a few days in the fridge.
What’s the best cauliflower for this?
Regular white cauliflower is classic, but purple or orange cauliflower add some color and fun.
Can kids handle the spice?
Tone down the buffalo sauce or serve it on the side. Nobody wants tears during snack time.
Final Thoughts
You just turned humble cauliflower into a finger-lickin’, spicy, vegan snack that’ll have even meat-eaters reaching for more. That’s basically superhero status in the kitchen.
So grab your buffalo wings, dip ‘em, share ‘em (or don’t), and enjoy every crispy, spicy, creamy bite. Because sometimes the best things in life are plant-based and covered in hot sauce. 🌶️🥦🔥
Need more vegan snack hacks? I’m here for you!