If you are craving a snack that perfectly balances bold flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These golden, tender florets deliver all the spicy kick and finger-licking goodness of traditional buffalo wings but in a guilt-free, plant-powered way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a delicious way to enjoy your veggies, this dish transforms humble cauliflower into a crave-worthy, crispy delight that everyone will be reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the final wings irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- 1 large head of cauliflower: The sturdy yet tender base that soaks up all the spicy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): Creates a light, crispy coating that clings perfectly to each floret.
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option): Helps form the batter with the flour, making sure the coating sticks.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory undertone that enhances the flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a gentle smoky note and a lovely color to the batter.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the cauliflower throughout.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild peppery kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Infuses the wings with that classic tangy, spicy buffalo flavor we all love.
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter): Smooths out the buffalo sauce and adds richness for a perfect finish.
How to Make Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 450°F (230°C) or prepping your air fryer. Wash and cut your cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This sets the stage for perfectly crispy bites.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a large bowl, mix the flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. This flavorful coating is the secret to achieving that crave-worthy crispness while boosting the wings’ taste.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets
Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter, making sure every bit is generously coated. This ensures the florets get a crunchy crust once cooked, locking in the veggie’s natural tenderness.
Step 4: Cook Until Crispy
If baking, arrange the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway so every side gets a turn to crisp up. If air frying, place them in a single layer in the basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket midway for even crispiness.
Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. This classic combo delivers that perfect tangy-spicy coating that turns simple cauliflower into irresistible wings.
Step 6: Toss and Bake for a Final Touch
Once the cauliflower is golden and crisp, toss the florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated. Then return them to the oven or air fryer for an extra 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce set on the wings, giving them that iconic sticky finish.
How to Serve Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or celery leaves can add a vibrant pop of green and a mild fresh flavor to balance the spicy wings. A side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip completes the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these wings with crunchy carrot sticks, celery, or a light summer salad to keep things fresh. For a heartier meal, crispy sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes make stunning companions that soak up every bit of buffalo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls, or pile them high in a vibrant serving dish for a party-perfect centerpiece. Wrapping them in lettuce leaves or serving over quinoa bowls can add variety and extra nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep their crispiness, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture. Reheat soon for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked and sauced florets on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings will keep well for up to 2 months, ready whenever you want a quick snack or appetizer.
Reheating
Reheat your Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes or in your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This helps restore their crunch and warms the buffalo sauce back to that finger-licking perfection.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk in the batter and swap regular butter for vegan butter to keep everything plant-based and delicious. The buffalo sauce is typically vegan, but always double-check labels just in case.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries at all. The recipe works wonderfully in a conventional oven. Just bake the wings on a parchment-lined sheet and flip halfway through cooking to ensure an even crisp. This method delivers equally tasty results.
How spicy are the buffalo wings?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Most standard buffalo sauces bring a medium heat that’s gently fiery without overwhelming the palate. If you want a milder or spicier version, simply adjust the sauce or add extra hot sauce to taste.
Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?
Yes! Broccoli florets work similarly and can be swapped in for cauliflower. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different veggies vary in tenderness and moisture content.
How do I get the wings extra crispy?
Ensuring the batter is well mixed and the cauliflower florets are evenly coated helps a lot. Using high heat in the oven or air fryer and flipping or shaking them midway encourages even browning and crunch. Don’t overcrowd the pan or basket to allow proper crisping.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is such a fun and flavorful way to shake up your snack game and delight your taste buds. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, these wings bring vibrant spice, amazing crunch, and pure veggie goodness to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings. The cauliflower is coated in a flavorful batter, baked or air fried until crispy, and then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a spicy appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or prepare your air fryer for cooking.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is fully coated with the mixture.
- Cook Cauliflower: For baking, arrange the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, place a single layer of battered florets in the basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce with melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl and mix well.
- Toss in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, toss the cooked florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until they are thoroughly coated.
- Set the Sauce: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and become sticky.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- You can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten free.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
- Serving these wings with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing complements the spicy flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
