These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a fun and spicy twist on classic chicken wings! Crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Trust me, even folks who love meat will go for these! I like to dip them in some ranch dressing—so good! You’ll be making these for every game night, I promise!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: A large head of cauliflower is the star of this dish. For a different taste, you can try using broccoli instead. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best texture, but if you’re avoiding gluten, use almond flour or chickpea flour instead. These can change the flavor slightly, but keep that crispiness intact!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: If you’re sensitive to spice, look for mild wing sauce or simply make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter or oil. I often tweak store-bought sauces with extra garlic or a dash of vinegar.
Butter: Vegan butter works great for a dairy-free version. If you don’t have any, olive oil is an excellent substitute—just know it won’t be quite as creamy!
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Wings Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy cauliflower wings is all about technique! Start with a hot oven and bake them properly. Here are the steps for success:
- Ensure your batter is thick enough to coat the florets but not too thick to overload them.
- Bake them uncoated for a bit first; this helps firm them up before adding sauce.
- After adding the buffalo sauce, bake them a second time to create that crispy outer layer.
Also, spacing the florets on the baking sheet is key. Make sure they aren’t touching for that perfect crispy bite!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or regular unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 45 minutes in total: 10 minutes for prep and about 30-35 minutes for baking. You’ll be enjoying these spicy, crunchy wings in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This will make clean-up a breeze!
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and free from lumps. This batter will coat the cauliflower nicely.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, letting any extra batter drip off. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This spacing is crucial for achieving that crispy texture!
4. Initial Baking:
Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This first bake helps the florets firm up and gives them a nice golden color.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a separate bowl. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
6. Toss in Sauce:
After the initial 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven. Carefully toss the florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until each piece is evenly coated. This step adds that delicious kick!
7. Final Baking:
Return the saucy cauliflower back to the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the wings are crispy and have some charred bits. They’ll smell amazing!
8. Garnish:
Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the wings with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings hot, alongside carrot and celery sticks. Don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—you’re going to love these!
Enjoy your crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings—perfect for game day or a fun snack anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture to ensure your wings still turn out crispy.
How Do I Store Leftover Cauliflower Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness!
Can I Make These Cauliflower Wings Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter, or use a hotter buffalo sauce. You can even drizzle some extra hot sauce on top before serving!
What Can I Serve Instead of Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try a yogurt-based dip, hummus, or even a spicy avocado sauce. All of these options complement the spicy cauliflower wings beautifully!
