If you’re looking for a vibrant, delicious twist on classic game day snacks, this Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe will quickly become your new go-to favorite. These cauliflower bites deliver the perfect crunch, balanced with the tangy, spicy kick of buffalo sauce—without any meat, making them a fantastic option for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone craving something fresh and irresistible. The batter crisps up beautifully while the buffalo sauce adds that familiar bold flavor, all coming together in a healthy yet indulgent snack you’ll want to share with everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe calls for simple ingredients you can find easily, each bringing something unique to the plate—from texture to taste and color. The straightforward nature of these ingredients makes it a truly approachable dish, even if you’re new to cooking with cauliflower or buffalo sauce.
- Cauliflower: Use a large head for perfect-sized florets that crisp up well and soak in the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Combines with the milk to form a smooth batter that crisps on baking or air frying.
- Milk: Adds moisture for the batter and helps create a light coating; plant-based milk works beautifully if you want it vegan.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth that complements the heat without overpowering.
- Paprika: Infuses a mild smoky flavor and adds a lovely warm color to the batter.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors in the batter and the final dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
- Buffalo sauce: The star of the recipe, delivering that classic spicy tang everyone loves.
- Melted butter: Mixed with buffalo sauce for richness and smooth coating; vegan butter works great here too.
How to Make Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cauliflower
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) or getting your air fryer ready. Then, break apart your cauliflower head into bite-sized florets—this size ensures each piece gets evenly battered and crisps up perfectly. Having uniform pieces helps everything cook at the same pace, so no soggy centers or burnt edges!
Step 2: Whisk Your Batter
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter that will cling nicely to your cauliflower florets. This step is key because the batter creates that crispy outer shell that locks in moisture while baking or air frying.
Step 3: Coat Each Floret
Dip each cauliflower piece into your batter, turning to coat it thoroughly. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered because this batter layer is what achieves that coveted crispy texture we’re aiming for in this Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Cauliflower
If you’re baking, lay the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out without touching. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get a nice golden crisp. For an air fryer, place a single layer of battered florets in the basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway to promote even cooking. Both methods work wonders for that perfect crunch!
Step 5: Toss in the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, stir together your buffalo sauce and melted butter until smooth and well combined. Once your florets are golden and crispy, toss them gently in this sauce pool until they’re luxuriously coated. This step layers on that signature flavor that defines buffalo wings—just without chicken.
Step 6: Set the Sauce
Finally, return the sauced cauliflower to the oven or air fryer for another 5 minutes. This extra cook time helps the sauce to set, melding those crispy edges with spicy, buttery goodness, delivering that addictive bite every time.
How to Serve Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh garnish to make your crispy cauliflower buffalo wings pop. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds inviting color and a clean bite. For that classic touch, serve with crisp celery sticks or a dollop of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumbers, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. If you want something heartier, crispy seasoned fries or a bowl of buttery corn on the cob complement the buffalo wings flavor beautifully without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, serve your crispy cauliflower buffalo wings on individual skewers or in a colorful taco shell with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of ranch for a buffalo taco sensation. You can also pile them high on a platter, surrounded by a rainbow of dipping sauces—creamy, spicy, and sweet—to let guests mix and match the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the wings crisp after refrigeration can be a bit tricky, but with the right reheating method, they’ll almost taste like freshly made.
Freezing
These wings freeze well if you want to save some for later. Place the battered and cooked cauliflower on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months, making for a convenient frozen snack that heats up quickly.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that signature crisp is to reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This method refreshes the texture beautifully without drying them out. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a serious hurry, as it tends to soften the batter and compromise the crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for frying or baking. This small change keeps the crispy texture intact while making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! Use plant-based milk instead of dairy and replace melted butter with vegan butter or a neutral oil to keep it fully vegan. The buffalo sauce is typically vegan, but it’s always good to double-check the label.
Can I use fresh buffalo sauce or do I have to buy bottled?
While bottled buffalo sauce is convenient and consistently flavorful, you can certainly make your own at home by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of garlic powder. Making your own allows you to control the heat level and customize the flavor a bit more.
What’s the best way to ensure the wings stay crispy?
The key is in the batter consistency and cooking method. Making sure the batter is evenly coated but not too thick helps with crisping. Air frying or baking on parchment paper with space between pieces are ideal. Also, tossing in the sauce last and baking briefly helps set it without making the batter soggy.
Can I grill the cauliflower wings instead of baking or air frying?
Grilling cauliflower wings is possible, but it’s a bit trickier to get that crispy coating to hold up. If you try it, use a grill basket and keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. You might want to lightly oil the grill and grill briefly before finishing in the oven for crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe is a stunning blend of crispy, spicy, and flavorful that promises to satisfy your snack cravings with a fresh twist. Whether you’re making it for game night, a casual dinner, or just because, it’s a fun and delicious way to bring more plant-based dishes to the table. Give it a try—you might find yourself falling head over heels for these bold and crunchy cauliflower bites!
Print
Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings offer a flavorful, spicy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Perfectly coated in a seasoned batter, baked or air-fried to a crispy finish, and tossed in a rich buffalo sauce, this vegan appetizer is ideal for game days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven or air fryer: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) or prepare your air fryer by setting it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and easy dipping.
- Make batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated for crispiness.
- Cook the cauliflower: For baking, place the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve uniform crispness. For air frying, arrange a single layer of battered florets in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway to promote even cooking.
- Prepare buffalo sauce mixture: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce with melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl for the signature spicy glaze.
- Toss cauliflower in sauce: Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer the pieces into the buffalo sauce mixture and toss until each piece is well-coated.
- Set the sauce: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and intensify the flavor.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour and plant-based milk to make this recipe gluten-free and vegan.
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter or buffalo sauce.
- Ensure the cauliflower florets are dry before dipping to help the batter adhere better.
- If baking, flipping halfway is essential for even crisping.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in an air fryer for best texture.
