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Hand dipping a crispy breaded Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wing into Vegan Ranch Dressing, surrounded by more golden cauliflower bites and veggies on a platter.

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (Vegan + Oil-Free!)

Delaney Marie
These Oil-Free Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are baked until crispy and full of bold buffalo-inspired flavor. A wholesome vegan twist on a classic party snack, perfect as a game day appetizer with vegan ranch for dipping!
Note that From Start to Finish is an estimate that includes time to prep all of your ingredients (including chopping the cauliflower), and complete recipe directions. It does not include time to prepare the optional vegan ranch.
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From Start to Finish1 hour
Servings4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 small/medium head of cauliflower - cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour - OR all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¾ cup nondairy milk - (I like cashew milk for this recipe)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

"Buffalo" Sauce

  • ½ cup water
  • ⅓ cup white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoon cold water

Optional, for dipping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450F.
  • Make the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne. Whisk in the nondairy milk to create a batter.
  • Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the batter and gently toss to coat them evenly.
  • Add the breadcrumbs: Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs over the coated cauliflower and toss gently again until well covered.
  • Bake the cauliflower: Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, flipping once around the 15 minute mark.
  • Prepare the buffalo-inspired sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine all buffalo sauce ingredients (except cornstarch and cold water) in a small sauce pan. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop and cook for 3-5 minutes.
  • Thicken the sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook 1 more minute to thicken.
  • Coat the cauliflower: Reserve a small amount of buffalo sauce off to the side for later. Toss the baked cauliflower with the rest of the sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread the cauliflower out on the baking sheet again and bake for another 7-8 minutes.
  • Add extra sauce if desired: Remove from the oven and toss in the remaining reserved sauce if desired (this provides extra flavor, but does make the experience messier!)
  • Serve and enjoy: Pair with optional vegan ranch for dipping and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?Mention @joyfulbalanceofficial on Instagram and show the world your plant based creation!