Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering all the spicy, tangy flavor with a satisfying crunch. The cauliflower is coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce and baked to crispy perfection, making it an ideal appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a tasty, lighter option, these cauliflower wings deliver on flavor without compromising on texture. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite!

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 cup water (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. If you want them to cook evenly, try to make them similar in size.

  3. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water (or almond milk) until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.

  4. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

  5. Bake the cauliflower: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the florets are golden and crispy.

  6. Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.

  7. Toss the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is crispy and browned, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.

  8. Bake again: Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the wings to crisp up further.

  9. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower wings hot, with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4 (as an appetizer)

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 35-40 minutes

  • Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour (like rice flour or chickpea flour) instead of all-purpose flour to make the batter gluten-free.

  • Vegan option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly. If you prefer, you can replace the buffalo sauce with a homemade version using hot sauce and vegan butter.

  • Different sauces: Experiment with other sauces such as BBQ, honey mustard, or teriyaki for a variety of flavors.

  • Extra crispy: For an even crunchier texture, try coating the cauliflower in breadcrumbs or panko after dipping it in the batter before baking.

  • Spicy variation: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover buffalo cauliflower wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: To keep the wings crispy, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.

FAQs

Can I make these cauliflower wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the cauliflower and coat it in the batter ahead of time. Store the coated cauliflower in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, they’re best enjoyed immediately or within a day.

How do I make these wings spicier?

If you like your buffalo wings extra spicy, you can add more hot sauce to the buffalo sauce mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the cauliflower before baking.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe because it holds up better to the batter and bakes to a crispy texture. However, you can use frozen cauliflower; just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained before battering.

Can I air fry these buffalo cauliflower wings?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the cauliflower in a single layer for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once the cauliflower is crispy, toss it in buffalo sauce and serve.

Can I make the buffalo cauliflower wings less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix in a little bit of honey or a mild barbecue sauce to balance out the heat.

Can I use a different kind of sauce?

Yes! While buffalo sauce is classic, feel free to get creative with other sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the batter thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker batter, add a little more flour. If you prefer a thinner batter, add a bit more water or almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional wings, with the same spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and a crispy, crunchy texture. They’re easy to make, customizable, and a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a snack, or as part of a meal, these cauliflower wings are bound to be a hit! Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces and relish every bite!

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Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthier, crispy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. These cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, baked to perfection, and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce for a satisfying, guilt-free snack or appetizer.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water (or almond milk) until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
  4. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake the cauliflower: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  6. Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo sauce and olive oil in a small bowl and stir to combine.
  7. Toss the cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is crispy and browned, remove from the oven, drizzle with buffalo sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
  8. Return to the oven: Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the cauliflower to crisp further.
  9. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower wings hot, with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Gluten-free: Use chickpea flour or rice flour for a gluten-free option.Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan; just use a plant-based buffalo sauce and dairy-free milk.Extra crispy: Coat the cauliflower in breadcrumbs or panko for an even crunchier texture.Spicy variation: Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the batter for an extra spicy kick.Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore the crunch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 pieces
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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