Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on a classic favorite. Crispy cauliflower pieces are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, giving them an exciting kick—perfect for parties or a snack!
If you’re like me, you might end up eating more of these than you planned. They are fun to make and even better to share (or not!). Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of the dish! Use a fresh head for the best texture. You can also substitute with broccoli for a different twist, though it’ll change the flavor a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a great texture, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour works well. You can even skip the batter and just roast the cauliflower directly in the sauce for fewer carbs!
Buffalo Sauce: The classic option, but feel free to use sweet chili sauce, barbecue sauce, or a homemade blend if you want to control the heat. I love using a mix of garlic powder and hot sauce for an extra kick!
Butter: Melted butter gives a rich flavor. For a vegan option, try using olive oil or coconut oil instead, or omit it for a lighter version.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is key! For crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, follow these tips:
- Make sure your oven is preheated to 450°F (230°C). A hot oven helps to crisp the batter quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each floret space to breathe so air can circulate around them.
- For added crunch, consider a quick spray of cooking oil over the wings before the final bake after tossing them in the buffalo sauce. This helps achieve that golden finish!
- If you have an air fryer, it’s a fantastic way to make these even crispier without much oil!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or a vegan alternative
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes for cooking, making it a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is important for getting those cauliflower wings nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated. Gently shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. At this point, the batter should be set and starting to turn golden brown.
5. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, combine the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. Mix well to ensure everything is blended.
6. Toss the Cauliflower Wings:
Once the cauliflower has baked for 20 minutes, take it out of the oven. Carefully toss the hot cauliflower wings in the buffalo sauce mixture until they are fully coated.
7. Bake Again:
Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the baking sheet and pop them back in the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until they’re crispy and slightly charred on the edges.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the cauliflower wings from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before coating to prevent excess moisture. This will help ensure your wings stay crispy!
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, try using a spicier buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter. You can also toss the cauliflower in a homemade sauce that includes hot sauce and chili powder for a customizable spice level!
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the coated cauliflower in batches for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method will give you a super crispy texture without using much oil.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.