These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on a classic snack! They’re spicy, crispy, and totally plant-based, making them a hit for everyone, even your meat-loving friends.
These little bites pack a punch! I love serving them with cooling ranch dip or my favorite blue cheese. Just be warned—you might eat the whole batch in one go! 😋
Making these is super simple. Just coat the cauliflower in a spicy sauce, bake, and watch them turn golden and crispy. Perfect for game day or a fun snack anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star ingredient, fresh cauliflower gives a satisfying crunch. If you’re short on cauliflower, try using broccoli for a twist; it still absorbs flavors well!
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a nice batter, but you can use chickpea flour for a nutty flavor or make it gluten-free with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.
Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. You can make a milder version with a mix of hot sauce and ketchup if you prefer less heat, or try sriracha for extra kick!
Butter: Vegan butter keeps it plant-based, but regular butter works too. For a lower-fat option, consider using olive oil instead.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve that delightful crispiness, there are a few important techniques to follow:
- Make sure to spread the cauliflower evenly on the baking sheet so they don’t steam each other.
- Bake at a high temperature, which helps create a crispy outer layer.
- Flipping them halfway through ensures even cooking and browning.
- The second bake with the buffalo sauce lets them crisp up while absorbing all that flavor.
Follow these tips, and your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings will be golden and crunchy every time!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter, melted
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Celery sticks, for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 50 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes for prep work and around 40 minutes of baking time. The result is crispy, flavorful wings that are sure to be a hit!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk this mixture together until you have a smooth batter that’s ready for dipping your cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter. Make sure it’s fully covered and then shake off any excess batter. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower for about 20 minutes. Be sure to flip the florets halfway through this time to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp.
5. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl. This will create a flavorful coating for your wings.
6. Toss with Buffalo Sauce:
Once the cauliflower has baked for 20 minutes and is starting to turn golden, take it out of the oven. Gently toss the baked florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until they are fully coated.
7. Final Bake:
Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. This final baking step helps make them crisp and slightly charred on the edges.
8. Garnish and Serve:
When finished, remove your cauliflower wings from the oven. Sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the hot buffalo cauliflower wings with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Happy snacking on these spicy, crunchy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
While fresh cauliflower is best for texture, you can use frozen cauliflower. Be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before coating it in batter to ensure crispiness.
How Can I Make These Wings Less Spicy?
If you’d like a milder version, try using a blend of hot sauce and ketchup for a sweeter flavor. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used or opt for a milder hot sauce altogether.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the battered cauliflower up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply bake them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.