Description
Crispy, spicy, and entirely plant-based, these vegan buffalo cauliflower bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that takes just 15 minutes of active prep time. Perfect for game day or any gathering, they offer the crunch and heat of traditional wings without the meat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2–2.5 lbs / 900g-1.1kg), cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup (120g) chickpea flour
- 1 cup (240ml) cold sparkling water or seltzer
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Chopped celery and carrots for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Slowly pour in cold sparkling water while whisking constantly until the batter reaches the consistency of heavy cream.
- Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Place coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching.
- Brush tops lightly with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crispy and golden brown. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.
- While cauliflower bakes, combine Frank’s RedHot, melted vegan butter, vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and warmed through.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and transfer to a large bowl.
- Pour buffalo sauce over hot cauliflower and toss quickly to coat.
- Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing, celery, carrots, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Ensure cauliflower florets are completely dry before battering to maximize crispiness. Do not crowd the baking sheet; use two pans if necessary to allow air circulation. Serve immediately as they lose crunch if sitting too long. For air fryer method, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 serv
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: vegan buffalo cauliflower, cauliflower bites, party appetizer, gluten-free appetizer, game day food, vegan wings, spicy cauliflower, healthy appetizer