If you are on the hunt for a fun, tasty, and healthier twist on classic wings, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is your new best friend. These crispy, spicy cauliflower bites pack all the bold flavor of traditional buffalo wings but with a satisfying crunch and a veggie-forward flair that’s perfect for game day, parties, or an anytime snack craving. Coated in a flavorful batter, baked to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, each bite is an explosion of zest and texture that even the biggest wing lovers will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe comes together easily, each component playing a special role. From the seasoned batter that clings to the cauliflower’s natural texture, to the vibrant buffalo sauce that brings the heat and tang, every ingredient is essential in creating those crave-worthy wings.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the coating, helping to create a crispy shell on the cauliflower.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor that enhances the batter.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity to the taste.
- 1/3 cup milk of choice: Helps to create the perfect batter consistency; dairy or plant-based milk works wonderfully.
- 1/3 cup water: Used to thin the batter for a smooth, even coating.
- 1 large head cauliflower: Cut into florets, this is the star of the dish, providing a tender inside and crispy outside.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (or hot sauce): Delivers the signature tangy heat that defines buffalo wings.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil): Adds richness and helps the sauce stick perfectly to the cauliflower.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness.
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar: Gives the sauce a sharp, bright note, lifting the flavors.
- Ranch or blue cheese sauce: For dipping, these classic accompaniments cool the heat and complement the wings.
- Celery sticks: A crisp, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with spicy buffalo flavors.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by placing a sheet pan inside your oven and preheating it to 450°F. Keeping the pan hot before adding the cauliflower creates the crispiest coating imaginable, a game-changer for achieving that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to make a well-seasoned base. Then mix the milk and water in a jug and slowly incorporate it into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until you have a smooth, thick batter. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk or flour—this ensures each cauliflower floret is evenly coated without being soggy or too dry.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Gently toss your cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure they’re thoroughly covered. This step is crucial because the batter forms the crispy shell that will hold the delicious buffalo sauce later.
Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower
Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven (don’t forget your oven mitts!) and spread the battered cauliflower evenly across it. Pop it back into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the florets turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted butter, honey, and white vinegar until smooth. This vibrant sauce will coat your crispy cauliflower with the bold, tangy flavor that buffalo wings are famous for.
Step 6: Toss in the Sauce
When the cauliflower is baked and golden, remove the pan and brush or toss the florets with the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring every piece gets a good glaze of spicy goodness.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and the edges to brown slightly more. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor impact.
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crumbles of blue cheese can elevate your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe with bursts of color and extra flavor. These simple garnishes add a lovely freshness or creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the spicy wings.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, serve these wings alongside crisp celery sticks and classic dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. The cool crunch of celery and creamy dips provide a refreshing contrast that balances the spicy, tangy kick of the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, consider skewering the cauliflower wings for easy serving or arrange them on a platter with an assortment of dipping bowls. Layering with some crunchy carrot sticks or even serving over a bed of leafy greens can add vibrant color and texture, making the dish inviting and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the sauce separate and toss the wings just before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these wings at a later date, you can freeze the baked cauliflower (without the sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results when reheating, place the wings on a baking sheet in a preheated 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Once warmed through and crisp, toss with the buffalo sauce and serve immediately to revive that irresistible texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free flour for this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Many gluten-free flour blends work nicely as a substitute. Just be mindful of the batter consistency, as some gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently, so adjust the milk or water accordingly.
What type of buffalo sauce is best for this recipe?
A classic hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot mixed with melted butter is traditional and delicious, but feel free to customize the heat level with milder or hotter sauces depending on your preference.
Can I make these wings vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and a vegan-friendly buffalo sauce to keep this recipe completely plant-based and just as tasty.
Is it possible to air fry Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe?
Definitely! Air frying is a fantastic option to get extra crispy cauliflower wings without much oil. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the coated florets for about 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower wings?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use, but the honey/maple syrup balances the heat well. If you prefer milder wings, choose a less spicy sauce or reduce the amount used in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe—a fun, flavorful way to enjoy a classic wing experience while sneaking in some veggies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, impressing friends, or just craving something spicy and crunchy at home, these wings bring so much joy and satisfaction to the table. Grab your ingredients, heat up that oven, and get ready for crispy, saucy bites you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and baked to perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or snack served with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip and celery sticks.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 1/3 cup water
Main Ingredient
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (or hot sauce)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese sauce, for dipping
- Celery sticks, on the side
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Sheet Pan: Place a sheet pan in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F, leaving the sheet pan inside to heat up. This hot pan will help make the cauliflower extra crispy once baked.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a measuring jug, combine the milk and water, then slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. Adjust the batter consistency by adding a little more milk or water if too thick, or more flour if too thin.
- Coat Cauliflower Florets: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat each floret evenly with the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven using oven gloves and place it on a heatproof surface. Spread the coated cauliflower florets evenly across the hot pan.
- Initial Bake: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the batter turns golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, honey, and white vinegar in a bowl until smooth and combined.
- Coat with Sauce: Take the cauliflower out of the oven and brush the buffalo sauce evenly over all pieces.
- Final Bake: Return the coated cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until browned and sticky.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a classic pairing.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of butter, and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount or type of hot sauce used in the buffalo sauce.
- Ensure the batter is not too thick to coat the cauliflower evenly, adding liquid as needed for smooth coverage.
- Placing the sheet pan in the oven while preheating is key to achieving a crispy texture on the cauliflower.
- Serving with celery and a cooling dip balances the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce.
