Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on traditional wings! Made with crispy roasted cauliflower and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, they are perfect for snacking or as a party treat.
These vegan bites are so good, even non-vegans love them! They are fun to make and are great with ranch or blue cheese dip. Just be prepared to share—it’s hard to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Use a large head of cauliflower; it’s the star of the dish! You can try broccoli if you like, but cauliflower provides the best texture and flavor contrast with the buffalo sauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but if someone needs a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends. I’ve found that chickpea flour gives a nice crunch too!
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but if you prefer less spice, opt for a milder sauce or even a homemade version using hot sauce mixed with honey or maple syrup.
Butter: Melted vegan butter provides a great flavor for those looking to keep it dairy-free. Regular butter also works well if that’s your preference!
Blue Cheese Dip: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, use feta or vegan feta for a different twist. You can also skip the cheese entirely and add more herbs instead.
How Do I Get the Cauliflower Wings Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy buffalo cauliflower wings lies in the batter and cooking method. Here are some tips to get that perfect crunch:
- Make sure to whisk the batter until smooth—it should lightly coat the cauliflower without being too thick.
- When baking, arrange the florets in a single layer without overcrowding them. This helps hot air circulate around each piece.
- Flip the florets halfway through baking; this promotes even browning and crispiness.
- After tossing them in the buffalo sauce, bake again to allow the sauce to slightly caramelize, which adds to the crunch.
- For an even healthier option, you can air fry the cauliflower for a crispier finish.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted vegan butter or regular butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
For the Blue Cheese Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream or vegan sour cream
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 35 minutes for cooking, totaling around 50 minutes. You’ll be ready to serve these tasty, spicy buffalo cauliflower wings in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the wings don’t stick.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the batter is smooth—this will coat your cauliflower nicely.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly so they cook properly.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes. It’s important to flip the florets halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This will give the wings that spicy kick!
6. Toss in the Sauce:
After 20 minutes, take the cauliflower out of the oven and toss each piece in the buffalo sauce mixture, coating them well.
7. Bake Again:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15 minutes until they’re crispy and slightly charred around the edges.
8. Make the Blue Cheese Dip:
While your wings are finishing up in the oven, prepare the blue cheese dip. Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix it well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is done, plate the buffalo cauliflower wings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve them with celery sticks and the blue cheese dip on the side.
Enjoy these spicy, crispy buffalo cauliflower wings as a delicious vegetarian appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating it in the batter to ensure it crisps up nicely in the oven.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want your buffalo cauliflower wings to pack more heat, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter or use a spicier buffalo sauce. Adjust it to your heat preference!
Can I Prepare the Cauliflower Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can batter the cauliflower florets and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to coat them in the buffalo sauce right before the last baking step for the best flavor.
What Should I Serve with These Wings?
These buffalo cauliflower wings pair well with a variety of sides. Celery sticks and carrot sticks are traditional, and you can also serve them with a refreshing salad or some creamy dip for a balanced meal!
