Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

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Craving something bold, spicy, and satisfying? These Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings deliver all the fiery flavor and crispy goodness of classic wings—without the meat! Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based eats, these wings will have you coming back for more. Ready to spice up your snack game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Big on Flavor: Think smoky, tangy, and spicy—everything you want in a buffalo wing.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender Inside: Achieved with the perfect balance of batter and cooking technique.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh cauliflower make this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
Vegan & Guilt-Free: No animals harmed, and much lighter on calories than traditional wings.

What Do They Taste Like?

These vegan buffalo wings are crispy, slightly charred, and drenched in a sauce that hits every taste bud with a kick of heat followed by tangy bliss. The cauliflower holds up beautifully, soaking in all the buffalo goodness while offering a tender bite.

Benefits of Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Packed with Fiber: Cauliflower provides gut-friendly benefits.
Versatile: Great for game day, potlucks, or even as a savory side dish.
Customizable Heat Levels: You control how fiery they get!

Ingredients for Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

For the Wings

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot works great!)
• 3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Basting brush

Optional Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for chickpea or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Dial Down the Heat: Add a bit of vegan ranch dressing or reduce the amount of hot sauce.
Extra Crispy Texture: Toss the florets in panko breadcrumbs after dipping them in batter.

How to Make Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Shake off excess batter and place the florets on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.

Step 6: Sauce and Bake Again

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and generously brush each piece with buffalo sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot!

Plate your spicy vegan buffalo wings and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

What to Serve with Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings

Dipping Sauces: Vegan ranch or creamy avocado dip
Veggie Sides: Carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices
Grain Bowls: Add the wings on top for a filling meal

Tips for Making Perfect Buffalo Wings

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between florets to ensure even crisping.
Double Baking Technique: Baking twice (before and after saucing) locks in that crispy texture.
Customize the Heat: Mix different hot sauces to find your perfect balance of heat and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Crisp them up in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Wings in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.

What Other Vegetables Can I Use?

Broccoli or Brussels sprouts work wonderfully for a similar spicy twist.

Can I Freeze Vegan Buffalo Wings?

Yes! Freeze after baking (before saucing). When ready to eat, reheat in the oven and toss in sauce before serving.

Conclusion

These Spicy Vegan Buffalo Wings are proof that plant-based snacks can be every bit as satisfying as traditional favorites. They’re crispy, bold, and endlessly customizable—perfect for impressing guests or indulging solo!

Looking for more plant-based snack ideas? Check out these irresistible recipes: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and Crispy Potato Smoked Sausage Skillet. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest and leave a review!

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 120
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 3g

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