These buffalo cauliflower wings are crunchy, spicy, and totally delicious! Made with fresh cauliflower and tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing.
Plus, they are a great way to enjoy a healthier twist on classic wings! I love serving them with ranch dressing for dipping—it’s like a party at my place every time! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The main ingredient here! Choose a large, fresh head of cauliflower. If you’re looking for variety, you can use cauliflower rice instead, but the texture will be different.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the batter. If gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. I’ve had great results with chickpea flour too!
Buffalo Sauce: You can use any brand you like, or make your own by mixing hot sauce and melted butter. For a milder version, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount.
Olive Oil or Vegan Butter: I prefer olive oil for a slight fruity flavor, but melted vegan butter adds a nice richness. Both options help to enhance the flavor of the buffalo sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Cauliflower Wings?
To get those buffalo cauliflower wings perfectly crispy, follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven properly; the high heat is key!
- Coat the cauliflower evenly in batter for a good crunch. Don’t overload the florets; less is more!
- Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up rather than steam.
- Bake them twice: once before tossing in the buffalo sauce and once after. This ensures they’re crispy and flavorful!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted vegan butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 35-40 minutes of cooking time, including baking. You’ll have delicious, spicy buffalo cauliflower wings ready to enjoy in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This way, your cauliflower wings don’t stick!
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets but not too thick!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Grab your baking sheet and arrange the coated florets in a single layer. This helps them bake evenly!
4. Bake the Wings:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the batter is set, and the cauliflower starts to turn a golden brown color.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While your cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and olive oil (or melted butter) in a large bowl. This will enhance the flavor and help the sauce to stick to the wings better!
6. Toss and Bake Again:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, take it out of the oven and carefully transfer the florets to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Gently toss to coat all the pieces thoroughly. Return them to the baking sheet and spread them out evenly again.
7. Get Crispy:
Put the sauced cauliflower back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This second bake will make them crispy and let the flavors meld together nicely!
8. Garnish and Serve:
When the cauliflower wings are perfectly crispy and slightly charred at the edges, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color! Serve them immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Enjoy these spicy, crispy buffalo cauliflower wings as a delicious vegetarian appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using, as excess moisture can prevent the batter from sticking properly. You may want to pat it dry with paper towels.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love extra heat, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter or use a hotter buffalo sauce. You can also include some hot sauce in the buffalo sauce mix to kick it up a notch!
Can I Prepare These Wings in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the cauliflower and batter ahead of time, store them in the fridge, then bake just before serving. If you want to make them further in advance, bake them fully, then refrigerate and reheat in the oven just before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Cauliflower Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.
