Buffalo wings are a staple at game days, parties, and casual gatherings. But what if you could enjoy all that spicy, tangy goodness without the grease, guilt, or meat? Enter buffalo cauliflower wings—a crispy, flavorful, plant-based alternative that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

These wings are everything you love about the classic appetizer, but with a healthy twist. Golden and crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a deliciously spicy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for anyone looking to indulge in something tasty while keeping things light. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make this foolproof recipe a success.

Why Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Are a Must-Try

If you’ve never tried buffalo cauliflower wings, prepare to be amazed. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

Crispy Texture: Thanks to a thick batter and oven baking, these wings achieve that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Bold Flavor: The spicy tang of buffalo sauce paired with savory seasonings creates a mouthwatering combination.
Healthier Alternative: Made with cauliflower, a nutrient-packed vegetable, and baked instead of fried, these wings are a guilt-free indulgence.
Diet-Friendly: This recipe can easily be adapted for vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences.
Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly and hassle-free.

Time and Servings

Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 small servings

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these crispy, spicy cauliflower wings, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Cauliflower: 1 head, cut into bite-sized florets. This is the star ingredient, offering a neutral base that absorbs all the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup. Creates a thick, crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon. Adds a smoky undertone to the batter.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. A must-have in any flavorful recipe.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. Brings all the flavors together.
Buttermilk: ¾ cup. Serves as the liquid binder for the batter. For a vegan version, mix ¾ cup of plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Buffalo Sauce: ⅓ cup. Choose a vegan-friendly sauce if necessary. This provides the classic spicy, tangy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these steps to create the ultimate buffalo cauliflower wings:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined, pour in the buttermilk and whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.

3. Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl of batter. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the florets, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to get messy—this step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch!

4. Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate around the florets, ensuring they bake evenly.

5. Bake the Cauliflower

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each piece using tongs or a spatula. This helps the cauliflower cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy texture. Return the trays to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, combine the melted butter and buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until fully blended. You can adjust the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce for extra heat or mixing in a touch of honey for a milder, sweeter flavor.

7. Toss in Sauce

Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer the florets to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated. Be careful not to break the florets as you toss.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the buffalo cauliflower wings immediately for the best texture and flavor. Pair them with celery and carrot sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a classic snack experience.

Tips for Success

To ensure your buffalo cauliflower wings turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Cauliflower: For the best texture, choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower may release too much moisture and result in soggy wings.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheets: Space the florets out to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive guests, opt for a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with extra melted butter.
Make It Extra Crispy: For an even crispier finish, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
Serve Immediately: These wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for an extra layer of heat.
Herbaceous Twist: Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the buffalo sauce for a burst of freshness.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option.
Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet-and-spicy combination.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo cauliflower wings are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some serving ideas:

Classic Pairing: Serve with celery and carrot sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing (vegan if needed).
As a Main Dish: Serve over a bed of mixed greens with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a spicy cauliflower salad.
Game Day Platter: Pair with chips, guacamole, and sliders for the ultimate party spread.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:

Storage: Store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:

Calories: ~100 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~5g

FAQ

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can coat the cauliflower in batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake and toss in sauce just before serving.

2. Can I Fry the Cauliflower Instead of Baking?
Absolutely! For an extra indulgent version, fry the battered cauliflower in hot oil until golden and crispy.

3. Is This Recipe Vegan?
It can be! Simply use plant-based milk for the buttermilk, vegan butter, and a vegan buffalo sauce.

4. How Spicy Are These Wings?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. For a milder version, mix the sauce with extra butter or use a mild buffalo sauce.

5. Can I Freeze These Wings?
You can freeze the baked, unsauced wings for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven and toss with sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Buffalo cauliflower wings are the ultimate combination of crispy, spicy, and satisfying. Perfect for parties, snacks, or even a light dinner, they’re a plant-based twist on a classic that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your photos and feedback—I’d love to see how yours turn out!

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe: Easy, Crispy, & Healthy Snack

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 small servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These buffalo cauliflower wings are crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor. Baked to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate plant-based snack or appetizer for game day, parties, or any occasion. Easy to prepare and customizable for different dietary needs!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)
⅓ cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add buttermilk and whisk to form a batter.
Coat cauliflower florets in batter and place on baking sheets.
Bake for 20 minutes, flip florets, and bake for another 20 minutes.
Mix melted butter with buffalo sauce. Toss baked cauliflower in the sauce until coated.
Serve immediately with celery, carrots, and dipping sauce.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Adjust buffalo sauce for spice preference.
Serve with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Snacks, Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American