Description

Crispy, baked vegan buffalo cauliflower bites coated in a tangy, spicy sauce. This simple recipe uses pantry staples for a healthier, homemade alternative to traditional fried wings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower
½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch of salt
½ cup (120ml) unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
½ cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Celery sticks for serving
Carrot sticks for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Wash the cauliflower and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized florets (approx. 1.5 inches).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt.
Slowly pour in plant milk while whisking until a smooth, thin pancake-batter consistency forms.
Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange florets on baking sheets in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece to allow air circulation.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
While cauliflower bakes, melt vegan butter and whisk in buffalo sauce in a small bowl.
Transfer hot, crispy cauliflower to a large bowl and pour buffalo sauce over it.
Toss gently to coat evenly and serve immediately with vegan ranch and celery/carrot sticks.

Notes

Pat cauliflower completely dry before battering to ensure crispiness. Do not crowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For air frying, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
Calories: 280
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 450
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 5
Protein: 6

Keywords: vegan buffalo cauliflower, vegan dinner, crispy cauliflower, plant-based wings, easy vegan recipe, gluten-free option, baked cauliflower