Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings Recipe

Vegan recipes have become more than just a trend in recent years—they’ve transformed into a culinary movement that excites the taste buds and nourishes the body. As someone who has been exploring plant-based eating, I wanted to create a recipe that not only catered to vegan diets but also satisfied cravings for classic comfort foods. That’s how I came up with the idea for Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings.

Buffalo wings are a beloved snack for any sports night, casual get-together, or even a late-night craving. But the traditional chicken wings are off-limits for those following a plant-based lifestyle. So, I set out to replicate that spicy, tangy, and crispy sensation using only plant-based ingredients. The result? An irresistible, flavorful alternative that you’ll want to serve at every party or indulge in during a cozy evening in.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, heat, and a crispy texture, you’re going to love these Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make this dish and why it might just become your new go-to recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

this …

There’s something truly magical about buffalo wings—the crispy texture, the kick of heat, and that tangy, buttery flavor. For those of us who follow a vegan lifestyle, the challenge lies in recreating that signature taste and texture without any animal products. That’s why I absolutely love this recipe—it’s the perfect fusion of flavors and textures that mimic the iconic buffalo wings, but without any of the guilt.

What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. The plant-based “wings” can be made with cauliflower, jackfruit, or even chickpeas for different textures and flavors. Each one is coated in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce that brings a serious kick to your taste buds. And the best part? These wings are baked, not fried, so you get the crispiness you crave, minus the excess oil and calories.

This recipe is not just for vegans—it’s for anyone who loves a flavorful snack with a bit of heat. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to treat yourself to something delicious and plant-based, Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings are the answer.

Ingredients for Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. The great thing about Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings is that the ingredients are simple, easy to find, and cost-effective.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Cauliflower florets (or any plant-based alternative you choose)
• Flour – This helps create the crispy coating for the wings.
• Cornstarch – Essential for that extra crispiness.
• Plant-based milk – Almond, soy, or oat milk work great as a base for the batter.
• Garlic powder – A must for that savory flavor.
• Onion powder – Adds depth and sweetness.
• Paprika – For a little smokiness.
• Cayenne pepper – For a spicy kick!
• Baking powder – Helps the batter puff up and crisps the wings.
• Buffalo sauce – The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade buffalo sauce.
• Vegan butter – Adds richness to the buffalo sauce.

When selecting your ingredients, make sure to pick up some quality buffalo sauce to really elevate the flavor. If you have the time, homemade buffalo sauce will take these wings to the next level, but a store-bought sauce can be just as tasty.

How Much Time Will You Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. You can enjoy your Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings in about 40 minutes.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

It’s the perfect recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or when you’re looking to whip up something special for friends on short notice.

How to Make Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step to ensure that your wings turn out crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious!

Step – 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You want the pieces to be similar in size to traditional chicken wings so that they cook evenly and have that crispy texture.

Once you’ve prepared the cauliflower, give it a quick rinse and pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is important for getting that crispy coating.

Step – 2: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and baking powder. Add the plant-based milk and stir until you have a smooth batter.

You want the batter to be thick enough to coat the cauliflower, but not too thick that it clumps. If it’s too thin, simply add a bit more flour; if it’s too thick, add more milk.

Step – 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. After dipping, place the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other, as this will help them cook more evenly and get crispier.

Step – 4: Bake the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the battered cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, flip the pieces to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Step – 5: Coat the Wings in Buffalo Sauce

While your cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine. You can adjust the heat level by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce if desired.

Once the cauliflower is baked and crispy, remove it from the oven and toss the pieces in the buffalo sauce. Coat each floret evenly and return them to the baking sheet for an additional 5-7 minutes of baking, allowing the sauce to set and thicken.

Substitutions

There are a few different ways to switch up this recipe and make it work for your preferences.

• Cauliflower: If you’re not a fan of cauliflower or want something with a different texture, consider using jackfruit or chickpeas. Jackfruit is great for creating a shredded, meaty texture, while chickpeas will give you a firmer bite.
• Buffalo sauce: If you prefer a less spicy version, you can swap the buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce or even a barbecue sauce. Just be sure to choose something that complements the flavors of the wings.
• Vegan butter: If you don’t have vegan butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead. It will still give the wings that rich, savory flavor, but with a slight variation.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Pairing these wings with the right side dishes can elevate your meal even more. Here are three side dishes that work perfectly with Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings:

1. Vegan Coleslaw – The creaminess of the slaw balances out the heat of the wings.
2. Sweet Potato Fries – These crispy fries provide a perfect contrast to the spiciness and add a touch of sweetness.
3. Vegan Ranch Dressing – No buffalo wing is complete without a creamy dip! This cooling ranch dressing is the ideal accompaniment.

Let me know if you’re ready to dive into Part 2, and I’ll walk you through all the tips, tricks, and extras to make these Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings even better! Just let me know when you’re ready for the next part!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that you’ve made your Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings, let’s talk about how to serve them in style! The right presentation can elevate any meal, even a casual snack like these wings.

For a simple but impressive presentation, arrange the wings on a large serving platter, stacking them high for a visually striking display. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.

If you’re serving them as part of a larger meal or at a party, consider adding small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces on the side—vegan ranch, blue cheese, or even a tangy vegan honey mustard sauce. Having the sauces in individual bowls not only makes dipping easier but also adds a fun, interactive element to the meal.

Lastly, if you’re preparing these wings for a special occasion, feel free to serve them with a nice side of pickled vegetables or celery sticks. The crunch of the celery pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the wings, offering a refreshing contrast.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To make these Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings even more impressive, here are a few tips and tricks that will take your cooking to the next level:

• Get extra crispy: For that next-level crispiness, try tossing the cauliflower in a bit of panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before baking. This will give you an even more substantial crunch.
• Adjust the heat: If you love heat, feel free to kick up the spice level by adding extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce. You can even throw in a splash of sriracha or chili flakes for an added punch.
• Make it gluten-free: If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour. Both work wonderfully and maintain the crispy texture.
• Double-bake for extra crunch: After tossing the baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce, return the wings to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to let the sauce set and thicken. This ensures that each wing gets coated evenly and crisps up to perfection.
• Make ahead: If you’re preparing these for a party or meal prep, you can make the wings in advance. Simply bake the cauliflower, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the wings and toss them in fresh buffalo sauce just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings, here are a few common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:

• Not drying the cauliflower: Make sure to pat the cauliflower dry before dipping it in the batter. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from sticking properly, resulting in soggy wings.
• Skipping the flipping: Don’t skip flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking. This ensures that the wings cook evenly on both sides and get crispy all around.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: If you overcrowd the cauliflower florets on the baking sheet, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Make sure there’s space between each floret for the heat to circulate and create that perfect crispy texture.
• Using cold buffalo sauce: For the best flavor, make sure your buffalo sauce is warm when you toss it with the wings. Cold sauce can cause the wings to become soggy and won’t have that satisfying, well-coated texture.
• Not adjusting the seasoning: Buffalo sauce can vary in spiciness, so always taste the sauce before you toss the wings in it. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix in some vegan ranch or a bit of maple syrup to tone it down.

How to Store It

If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly so they stay fresh and flavorful.

• Refrigerating: Place any leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Buffalo sauce storage: You can also store leftover buffalo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before tossing it with fresh or leftover wings.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you while preparing your Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings:

1. Can I use something other than cauliflower?

Yes! You can use other vegetables such as jackfruit for a meatier texture or chickpeas for a firmer, bean-based option. Each will provide a different texture but still work beautifully with the buffalo sauce.

2. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can. Air frying is a great option for achieving that crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, and cook the cauliflower in batches for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?

To make your own buffalo sauce, melt 1/4 cup of vegan butter and mix it with 1/4 cup of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot). You can add a little garlic powder, paprika, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.

4. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cauliflower and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the wings in the oven, toss them in fresh buffalo sauce, and bake for a few more minutes to crisp them up.

5. Are these wings spicy?

Yes, they have a nice kick thanks to the cayenne pepper and buffalo sauce. However, you can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the buffalo sauce.

Print