Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on the classic wings! These crispy bites are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that will kick things up a notch during game day or any casual gathering.
Who knew veggies could be so fun? I love serving them with a cool ranch dip—it’s the perfect way to balance out the heat! Plus, they disappear faster than I can say “cauliflower”! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of the show! Choose a fresh medium head of cauliflower. If you want variety, you can also use smaller heads or mix in some broccoli for added color and crunch.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture. However, if you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. It might change the crispiness a bit but will still taste great!
Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought is super convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own! Just mix hot sauce with melted butter or oil and a pinch of garlic powder.
Dipping Sauce: I love using Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy dip. If you’re vegan, opt for a plant-based yogurt or ranch dressing, which works well with the cauliflower wings!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Cauliflower Wings?
Getting that coveted crispy texture takes a little technique! Here’s how:
- Wire Rack: Using a wire rack over the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around the florets, so they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
- Batter Coating: Make sure to coat each cauliflower piece thoroughly in the batter but let the excess drip off. This prevents sogginess.
- Flip Carefully: When baking the initial 20 minutes, flipping halfway helps them cook evenly—just use tongs to avoid breaking them apart.
- Second Bake: Toss the baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce and bake again for 15 minutes. This helps to set the sauce and adds that extra crispiness.
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Cauliflower Wings! They’ll be a hit with everyone, veggie lovers or not!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour if desired)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted vegan butter (optional, for mixing with buffalo sauce)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Recommended):
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or vegan ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake. You’ll spend around 20 minutes getting everything ready and in the oven, then just let them bake and get crispy. So, in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the wire rack so the wings don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. This will be the coating that makes our cauliflower wings crispy!
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the coated pieces onto the wire rack on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cauliflower Wings:
Bake the cauliflower wings for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly. This first baking step sets the base for our spicy flavor!
5. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted vegan butter in a small bowl. Stir well to mix everything together. This spicy mix will coat our wings beautifully!
6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and gently toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated. Get excited, it’s almost time to eat!
7. Return to Oven:
Place the coated cauliflower back on the wire rack and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them as they turn golden!
8. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
Meanwhile, whip up your dipping sauce by mixing yogurt or vegan ranch with the fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the buffalo cauliflower wings hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Don’t forget to add celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your dipping sauce on the side. Perfect for game day or any fun gathering!
Enjoy your spicy, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that are sure to please everyone, whether they’re veggie lovers or not!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes! If using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture. Patting it dry with paper towels will help achieve a crispier result when baked.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free flour for the batter and opt for a plant-based yogurt or vegan ranch dressing for the dipping sauce. Most buffalo sauces are vegan, but double-check the label to be sure!
How Do I Reheat Leftover Cauliflower Wings?
To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before dipping the cauliflower to refresh the consistency.
