Sometimes, you just need something crispy, spicy, and downright addictive—enter Buffalo Cauliflower Wings! Whether you’re a die-hard wing fan or just looking for a fun way to enjoy more veggies, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Picture this: bite-sized cauliflower florets, coated in a crispy batter, baked (or air-fried!) to golden perfection, and then tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that clings to every nook and cranny. The result? A fiery, flavorful snack that delivers all the satisfaction of classic wings—minus the meat! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Versatile: Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a main dish when served with a side. They’re crispy, spicy, and totally satisfying.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, so no need for expensive specialty ingredients.
Quick and Easy: No deep-frying, no complicated steps—just a simple, foolproof recipe that anyone can master.
Customizable: Want them extra spicy? Add more hot sauce. Prefer a mild kick? Use a milder buffalo sauce. You can even switch up the seasoning to match your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making these for vegetarians or meat-lovers, they’re always a hit! Even skeptics will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients in Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes these wings irresistible:
Cauliflower: The star of the show! Cauliflower becomes deliciously tender on the inside while staying crispy on the outside.
Flour: Helps create that crunchy, golden coating. You can use all-purpose, gluten-free, or even almond flour.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring even coverage. Dairy or plant-based milk both work great.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: These seasonings enhance the flavor and give the batter a savory kick.
Buffalo Sauce: The key to that classic, spicy flavor! Use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own.
Butter or Oil: Helps the buffalo sauce stick and gives the wings that rich, saucy finish.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until smooth. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring an even coating. Let any excess drip off before placing them on a lined baking sheet.
Bake Until Crispy: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. If using an air fryer, cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Toss in Buffalo Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or oil. Toss the baked cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
Final Bake: Return the coated wings to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to set the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then dig in! Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These wings are so versatile! Here are some great ways to serve them:
Classic Style: With celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
As a Wrap: Stuff them into a tortilla with lettuce and avocado.
Over Salad: Add them to a crisp salad for a spicy, crunchy boost.
With Rice or Quinoa: Turn them into a full meal by serving over grains.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop the cauliflower in advance for a quicker cooking process.
Spice It Up: Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the batter or extra hot sauce to the buffalo mix.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Double the Batch: These disappear fast! Make extra and freeze half for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Bake them first, store them, and reheat before tossing in the sauce.
Q2: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A2: Fresh works best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before coating.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Q4: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A4: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Q5: What’s the best dipping sauce?
A5: Ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy mayo work great!
Q6: Can I make them less spicy?
A6: Yes! Use a mild buffalo sauce or mix with honey for a sweet-spicy combo.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A7: Oven or air fryer for crispiness. The microwave makes them soft.
Q8: Can I freeze them?
A8: Yes, but freeze before tossing in the sauce for best texture.
Q9: What’s the best flour to use?
A9: All-purpose, gluten-free, or even almond flour all work well.
Q10: Can I use a different sauce?
A10: Absolutely! Try BBQ, teriyaki, or a honey-garlic glaze.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence—crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick snack, or a full meal, they’re guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready to fall in love!
Print
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Baked to perfection with a crunchy coating and tossed in buffalo sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer, snack, or side dish. This easy recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it perfect for a variety of diets. Serve them with vegan ranch, celery, and carrots for the ultimate game-day or party treat.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 3/4 – 1 cup vegan buffalo sauce (or cayenne pepper hot sauce like Frank’s)
Crispy Coating:
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 6 tbsp hemp seeds or almond flour (grind hemp seeds for best results)
- 6 tsp dried parsley
- 6 tsp garlic powder
Batter:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup vegan buffalo sauce (or cayenne pepper hot sauce)
- 1 cup sparkling soda water
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Drizzle of oil (optional)
For Serving:
- Vegan ranch dressing
- Celery
- Carrots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into large slider-size pieces or nugget-size pieces for kids.
- Prepare the crispy coating: In a bowl, mix cornmeal, bread crumbs, ground hemp seeds (or almond flour), parsley, and garlic powder. Transfer to a shallow dish or a plastic bag for shaking.
- Make the batter: In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, buffalo hot sauce, sparkling water, and baking powder until smooth. Add a drizzle of oil if desired.
- Using one hand for the batter and one for the coating, dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, then coat it with the crispy mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out evenly.
- (Optional Shake & Bake Method): If using a plastic bag, place batter-coated cauliflower inside and shake until coated. Do this in batches if needed.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle ½ cup hot sauce over the cauliflower. Flip, then drizzle the remaining sauce on the other side.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
- Serve fresh with vegan ranch dressing, celery, and carrots.
Notes
- For a kid-friendly batter, use less buffalo sauce and add a splash of plant-based milk for a milder taste.
- Hemp seeds provide extra protein, but almond flour works as a great substitute.
- Sparkling water helps create a light, crispy texture don’t skip it!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg