Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Crispy, Spicy & Addictively Delicious
Buffalo cauliflower bites have taken the plant-based world by storm—and for good reason! They’re crispy, spicy, tangy, and the perfect healthier alternative to classic buffalo wings. Whether you’re looking for a delicious game-day snack, a satisfying appetizer, or even a meat-free main dish, these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites will not disappoint.
These bites offer everything you love about buffalo wings: crispy texture, bold heat, and that irresistible combination of tangy and buttery flavors. The secret? A perfectly seasoned, crispy baked or air-fried coating that clings to the cauliflower, ensuring every bite is packed with crunch and spice. Plus, they’re completely dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan-friendly, making them a great option for any crowd.
If you’ve ever struggled with soggy, bland, or overly chewy buffalo cauliflower, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through all the best tips to get crispy, restaurant-quality bites every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Flavorful – The batter creates a crunchy coating that holds up to the buffalo sauce.
✔ Healthier Alternative to Wings – No deep frying, no processed meat—just whole, plant-based ingredients.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple pantry ingredients and no fancy equipment required.
✔ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your liking with different sauces or seasonings.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a side dish for dinner.
Common Problems & How to Avoid Them
1. Soggy Cauliflower?
Sogginess happens when the cauliflower releases too much moisture or when the sauce makes the bites too wet. To prevent this:
- Pat the cauliflower dry before battering.
- Use a wire rack when baking to allow airflow underneath.
- Bake or air-fry right after coating to prevent the batter from soaking into the cauliflower.
2. Batter Not Sticking?
If the batter slides off, it might be too thin or the cauliflower might be too wet. Fix it by:
- Using a thicker batter with just enough milk and flour to cling to the florets.
- Tossing the cauliflower in a little cornstarch before dipping into the batter.
3. Not Crispy Enough?
If your bites aren’t crisping up as much as you’d like:
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—leave space between the florets.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) for the best crispiness.
- For extra crispiness, air-fry instead of baking.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Battered Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, oat, or soy)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, optional)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot (or your favorite buffalo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
- Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease an air fryer basket.
2. Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- If using panko, place it in a separate shallow bowl.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating, then roll in panko breadcrumbs if using.
3. Bake or Air-Fry Until Crispy
Oven Method:
- Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each piece.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Air-Fryer Method:
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air-fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
4. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is done, toss the crispy bites in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Return them to the oven or air fryer for another 5 minutes to help the sauce set.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus celery and carrot sticks on the side.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Serving size: ~1 cup of buffalo cauliflower bites, recipe makes about 4 servings)
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugars: ~3g
- Fat: ~7g
- Saturated Fat: ~1g
- Sodium: ~600mg (varies based on buffalo sauce brand)
- Iron: ~8% DV
- Calcium: ~4% DV
Customization & Flavor Variations
✔ Extra Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or mix some sriracha into the buffalo sauce.
✔ Milder Version – Use BBQ sauce or a sweet chili sauce instead of buffalo.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
✔ Asian-Inspired – Toss in teriyaki or sweet soy glaze for a fun twist.
✔ Extra Crispy – Double-bake after adding the sauce for more crunch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Avoid sealing while hot, as steam can make them soggy.
Reheating:
- Oven/Air Fryer (Best Method): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Microwave (Quickest): Heat in 30-second intervals, but they won’t be as crispy.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, flavorful, and seriously addictive. They deliver all the heat and crunch of buffalo wings—without the meat. Whether you’re serving them for a party, game day, or just as a delicious snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how you liked it! Are you team extra spicy or team mild and crispy?
