Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings [Oven or Air Fryer]
User Reviews
5
Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings [Oven or Air Fryer]
Description
This recipe uses small cauliflower florets dipped in a seasoned batter consisting of brown rice flour, garlic and onion powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, salt, and unsweetened cashew milk or other plant milk. Placed single layer on parchment, the florets bake at 450°F for 20 minutes, flipped halfway, to develop a crunchy coating. The buffalo sauce is simmered separately, combining tomato paste, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt, then used to coat the baked cauliflower for a tangy, spicy finish.
The optional dairy-free ranch dressing, made from soaked cashews, provides a cooling complement to the spicy wings. Proper spacing of coated florets on the baking tray prevents sogginess and sticking, while flipping after coating with sauce enhances crisp texture. This approach yields a flavorful, plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings, suitable for snacking or appetizers.
Leftovers store for 2-3 days refrigerated and reheat well in an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer for restored crispness. For nut-free diets, soy or oat milk can be substituted in the batter. The ranch dressing should be prepared in advance and chilled.
Ingredients
- 1 small cauliflower cut into small bite sized florets
- ½ cup brown rice flour or flour of choice if not avoiding gluten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ cup cashew milk or milk of choice, unsweetened
Buffalo Wing Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
Optional Dipping Sauce (highly recommended)
- 1 recipe ranch dressing dairy free
Instructions
- If making the ranch dipping sauce, start by putting your cashews to soak before you begin prepping your cauliflower. Once soaked, prepare the ranch according to its directions and refrigerate until needed.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
- Place your cut up cauliflower in a large bowl. Then in a separate bowl, combine your flour and all the seasonings and mix to combine. Then add the milk and mix well to make your batter. Now pour the batter into your bowl with the cauliflower and mix well to evenly coat each piece.
- Place your coated cauliflower on your prepared baking tray, one at a time, in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes. Flip once at the halfway point.
- Meanwhile, prepare your buffalo wing sauce by adding all its ingredients to a small sauce pan. Whisk to combine and simmer over medium heat 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavours to combine.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven, and coat the bites in your buffalo sauce. I use a silicone brush to brush each piece of cauliflower with a generous amount of the sauce. Then return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Serve with ranch and dunk away.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Place your cut up cauliflower in a large bowl. Then in a separate bowl, combine your flour and all the seasonings and mix to combine. Then add the milk and mix well to make your batter. Now pour the batter into your bowl with the cauliflower and mix well to evenly coat each piece.
- Place your coated cauliflower into your crisp basket, inside the Ninja Foodi appliance. Then set it to 390 degrees F and air fry for 20 minutes, shaking your basket every 5 minutes or so.
- Meanwhile, prepare your buffalo wing sauce by adding all its ingredients to a small sauce pan. Whisk to combine and simmer over medium heat 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavours to combine.
- Then use a silicone brush to evenly coat your florets in the buffalo sauce. Continue air frying for another 10-15 minutes, shaking or flipping your florets at the halfway point. Cook time will vary according to the air fryer model you're using and floret size.
- Serve with ranch and dunk away.
Notes
- Prepare the dairy-free ranch dressing ahead and refrigerate until serving.
- For nut allergies, substitute cashew milk with soy or oat milk in the batter.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days; reheat in oven, toaster oven, or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- To prevent sticking and sogginess, place each battered cauliflower floret individually on the baking tray, spaced apart.
- Flip the cauliflower at the halfway point of baking and again after coating with buffalo sauce to maximize crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 118 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 118cal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 732mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 440mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 907IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 35mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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