There’s something undeniably magical about the perfect buffalo wing – that crispy exterior giving way to tender goodness, all coated in that signature tangy, spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance. But what if I told you that you could achieve that same wing nirvana without any chicken at all? These Crispy Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce are about to change your snack game forever. They deliver that perfect crunch and flavor explosion that wing-lovers crave, but in a plant-based package that even dedicated carnivores will devour without hesitation.
Whether you’re planning a game day spread, looking for the perfect appetizer to impress dinner guests, or just craving something deliciously different for your weeknight dinner, these cauliflower wings hit all the right notes. The humble cauliflower transforms into something extraordinary with a perfectly seasoned batter that crisps up beautifully in the oven (no deep-frying needed!). And when those crispy morsels get tossed in the homemade buffalo sauce? Pure magic happens. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you can adjust the heat level to suit your personal spice tolerance.
The secret to achieving that irresistible crunch without deep frying lies in a well-crafted batter and the right baking technique. We’ll use a combination of flour and cornstarch to create that perfect texture, while garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika build layers of flavor right into the coating. A brief high-temperature bake gets things crispy, and then the magic happens when you toss those golden nuggets in the homemade buffalo sauce, which strikes that perfect balance between tangy, spicy, and buttery.
But these aren’t just delicious—they’re also a smarter choice when you’re craving wings. Cauliflower is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It’s lower in calories than traditional chicken wings, making these a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor or satisfaction. Plus, they’re a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a way that feels more like an indulgence than a health food.
Ready to dive into this game-changing recipe? Let’s get cooking and transform an ordinary head of cauliflower into the most talked-about dish at your next gathering!
Crispy Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce
Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive cauliflower “wings” coated in classic buffalo sauce. The perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken wings that delivers all the flavor without the meat.
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk (regular or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (omit for vegan version)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- Wash the cauliflower and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized florets that resemble the size of chicken wings.
Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to create a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.
Coat and Bake:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each piece.
- Drizzle or spray the coated cauliflower with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- While the cauliflower is baking, make the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Coat with Buffalo Sauce:
- When the cauliflower is done baking, transfer the pieces to a large bowl.
- Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for 5 more minutes to set the sauce.
Serve:
- Transfer the buffalo cauliflower wings to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks on the side.
These Crispy Cauliflower Wings hit all the right notes of traditional buffalo wings but with a plant-based twist. The florets maintain a wonderful tender-crisp texture inside while the outside gets gloriously crispy from the baking process. That signature buffalo sauce adds the perfect amount of tang and heat that makes these wings downright addictive. You might be surprised at how quickly the entire batch disappears!
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Prefer things milder? Just add a little honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce to tame the heat. Like it fiery hot? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to kick things up. You can even experiment with different sauces altogether – try barbecue, honey garlic, or teriyaki for delicious variations that will keep this recipe in your regular rotation.
If you’re planning to serve these at a party, you can prepare the cauliflower ahead of time up to the first baking step. Then, shortly before serving, reheat them in the oven until crispy again, toss with the fresh buffalo sauce, and finish with the final bake. This ensures that your guests get that perfect fresh-from-the-oven experience with minimal last-minute effort from you.
Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, or simply curious about new flavor experiences, these Crispy Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce deserve a spot on your table. They prove that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the bold, satisfying flavors we crave. In fact, you might just find that these vegetable “wings” become your new favorite way to enjoy that classic buffalo experience!
Recipe Notes:
- For extra crispiness, you can place the coated cauliflower under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and skip the Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegan alternative).
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
