Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Looking for a spicy, crispy, and totally addictive vegan snack? Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are here to steal the show! They’re everything you love about classic buffalo wings—zesty, saucy, and satisfying—but made completely meat-free and guilt-free with wholesome cauliflower.
These bites are perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving something bold and flavorful. Whether baked or air-fried, they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fiery buffalo sauce coating that’ll make you reach for seconds.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy & Spicy – A satisfying texture with that unmistakable buffalo flavor.
Vegan & Dairy-Free – No butter, no meat, just plant-powered goodness.
Perfect for Parties – A crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Customizable Heat – Make it mild or hot, depending on your spice level.
Ingredients
For the cauliflower:
1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
3/4 cup flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
3/4 cup plant-based milk (unsweetened)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the buffalo sauce:
1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
How to Make It
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off the excess, and place them on a lined baking sheet or air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Bake or Air Fry
Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
Air Fryer: Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
5. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter and mix it with hot sauce and maple syrup (if using). Transfer cooked cauliflower to a bowl and pour the sauce over. Toss gently to coat.
6. Finish Cooking (Optional)
For extra crispiness, return the coated bites to the oven/air fryer for another 5–7 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Serve your buffalo cauliflower bites with:
Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip
Celery and carrot sticks
On tacos or wraps
Over salad for a spicy crunch
Tips & Variations
Make it gluten-free by using rice flour or chickpea flour.
Lower the heat with a mild buffalo sauce or by adding extra vegan butter.
Add crunch with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture—microwaving can make them soft.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are proof that plant-based snacks don’t have to be boring. Spicy, crispy, and ridiculously flavorful, they’re an easy way to impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them solo on the couch, they’re guaranteed to satisfy that buffalo wing craving—no chickens harmed.
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, plant milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, and place on a parchment-lined baking tray or air fryer basket.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes (or air fry for 15–18 minutes), flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- While baking, mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup to make buffalo sauce.
- Remove cauliflower from oven/air fryer, toss in buffalo sauce, and return to oven/air fryer for 5–7 more minutes to set the glaze.
- Serve hot with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
