I make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings when I want something crispy, spicy, and satisfying without using meat. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in bold buffalo sauce that hits all the right comfort-food notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The cauliflower bakes up crispy, and the buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of heat. I also like how versatile it is, whether I serve it as an appetizer, snack, or meatless main.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cauliflower florets
all-purpose flour
cornstarch
garlic powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
water or milk
buffalo sauce
melted butter or olive oil
optional ranch or blue cheese dressing
celery sticks for serving
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then slowly add water or milk to create a smooth batter.
I dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off, and place them on the baking sheet in a single layer. I bake them for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crisp.
While they bake, I mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil. I remove the cauliflower from the oven, toss it gently in the sauce, then return it to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Servings and Timing
I usually get 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 40 minutes
Total time: about 55 minutes
Variations
I sometimes make these in the air fryer for extra crispiness. When I want a milder version, I use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a little honey. I also like adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp texture instead of the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make buffalo cauliflower wings ahead of time?
I prep the batter and cauliflower ahead, but bake them fresh for the best texture.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
I air fry them at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through.
Are these wings very spicy?
I control the spice level by adjusting how much buffalo sauce I use.
Can I make them gluten-free?
I use gluten-free flour and make sure the buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower wings?
I like serving them with celery sticks, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Conclusion
I keep Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in my rotation because they’re crispy, bold, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this recipe proves that cauliflower can be just as crave-worthy as classic wings.
Print
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy baked cauliflower wings tossed in bold buffalo sauce, delivering spicy, comforting flavor in a satisfying meatless dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup water or milk
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly add water or milk, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
- Place florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil.
- Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with the sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and optional dressing.
Notes
- Air fry at 400°F for extra crispiness.
- Use less sauce or mix with honey for a milder flavor.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep crispy.
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or meatless main.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
