Perfect for vegetarians and vegetable lovers alike.
Great for game days, parties, and casual gatherings.
Easy to make in the oven or air fryer.
Pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces.
A fun and flavorful way to enjoy more vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cauliflower, cut into florets
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Water or milk
Buffalo sauce
Butter, melted (or plant-based butter)
Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water until a smooth batter forms.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Arrange the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
While the cauliflower bakes, combine the Buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss the florets in the Buffalo sauce mixture.
Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet.
Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until crispy and caramelized around the edges.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Variations
Make them extra spicy by adding cayenne pepper to the batter.
Use an air fryer for an even crispier texture.
Toss with barbecue sauce instead of Buffalo sauce.
Add grated Parmesan cheese after baking for extra flavor.
Try a honey Buffalo glaze for a sweet and spicy twist.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Sprinkle with ranch seasoning before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soft and less crispy.
These wings are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying works very well and often creates an even crispier coating.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet and serve immediately after cooking.
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What Buffalo sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought Buffalo sauce or homemade version.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and cut the cauliflower ahead, but they are best baked just before serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, and yogurt-based dips are all excellent choices.
Why is my coating falling off?
Make sure the batter is thick enough to adhere to the cauliflower and avoid excessive handling during baking.
Can I freeze Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
They can be frozen, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven or air fryer after thawing.
Are these wings vegan?
They can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and vegan butter.
What can I serve alongside Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad all make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional wings, offering the perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy Buffalo flavor. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re ideal for parties, snacks, and casual meals. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the star of the table, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful plant-based alternative to traditional wings, featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter and tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, appetizers, or healthy snacking, these oven-baked or air-fried wings deliver bold flavor and irresistible crunch in every bite.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup water or milk
¾ cup Buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons melted butter or plant-based butter
Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water until a smooth batter forms.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off.
Arrange the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the Buffalo sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl.
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and carefully toss the florets in the Buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
Return the coated florets to the baking sheet.
Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until crispy and caramelized around the edges.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
Notes
For extra crispy wings, place the florets on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss with Buffalo sauce and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the batter for extra heat.Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.Vegan versions can be made using plant-based milk and vegan butter.Best served immediately for maximum crispness.
