If you’re a fan of buffalo wings but are looking for a healthier, plant-based alternative, Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the answer. These crispy, spicy cauliflower bites deliver all the bold flavors you love in traditional buffalo wings but without the meat. Perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or even as a light snack, these cauliflower wings are a delicious option for everyone, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a tasty, guilt-free treat. The combination of a crispy, golden coating with a tangy buffalo sauce makes these cauliflower wings addictive, satisfying, and full of flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple and versatile it is. With just a few ingredients—cauliflower, a bit of flour, breadcrumbs, and some buffalo sauce—you can create crispy, spicy wings in no time. These cauliflower wings are baked in the oven, making them a healthier option compared to traditional fried wings, but they still come out with that satisfying crunch. Plus, they’re easily customizable with different levels of heat depending on how much spice you prefer. Whether you like a mild tang or a fiery kick, this recipe lets you adjust to your taste.

I first tried buffalo cauliflower wings at a local restaurant, and I was instantly hooked. The crispy texture of the cauliflower paired with the spicy buffalo sauce was something I hadn’t expected but loved. I decided to recreate the dish at home, and after a few tweaks, I came up with a recipe that’s simple, quick, and always a hit. Since then, Easy buffalo cauliflower wings have become my go-to snack for entertaining or a healthier alternative to traditional wings.

Why These Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Work

Selling Points:

• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and easy preparation make these buffalo cauliflower wings a great option for busy nights.
• Healthy Option: These wings are baked, not fried, offering a much healthier alternative to the traditional fried buffalo wings.
• Crispy Texture: Thanks to the breadcrumb coating and baking, these wings come out with a satisfying crispy exterior that perfectly complements the tender cauliflower inside.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less buffalo sauce or using a milder sauce.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack to share with friends and family.

What You Need for Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp melted vegan butter (or regular butter)
• Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

How to Make Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Be sure to cut them into pieces that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the water, whisking until you get a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.
4. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll each piece in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
5. Bake the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter until well combined.
7. Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over the top of the wings. You can either toss the cauliflower in the sauce or use a brush to coat them evenly.
8. Bake Again: Return the cauliflower wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and crisp up a bit.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Coat Well: Be sure to coat the cauliflower in the batter and breadcrumbs thoroughly for a crispy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the cauliflower pieces are spread out on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and get crispy.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like your buffalo cauliflower wings spicier, add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of baking after adding the buffalo sauce. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Make It Vegan: Use vegan butter and ensure your buffalo sauce is dairy-free to make this recipe fully vegan.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for the coating.
• Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter or buffalo sauce.
• Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the batter or buffalo sauce.
• Baked or Air-Fried: If you have an air fryer, you can air-fry the cauliflower wings instead of baking them. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower-Carb Option: You can swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or ground flaxseed for a low-carb version.
• Less Sauce: For a lighter version, you can use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder, lower-calorie version of buffalo sauce.
• Air Fry for Less Oil: Air frying the cauliflower instead of baking or deep-frying reduces the oil content while still achieving a crispy texture.

Closing for Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a fantastic, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. With their crispy coating and spicy, tangy sauce, they offer all the satisfying flavor without the guilt. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, serving a casual snack, or just craving something delicious, these buffalo cauliflower wings are sure to please everyone. They’re quick, easy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love? So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a plate of crispy, spicy cauliflower wings that will leave you wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Can I make buffalo cauliflower wings ahead of time?
You can prep the cauliflower and coat it in the batter and breadcrumbs ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake and coat with buffalo sauce just before serving.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Fresh cauliflower works best, but you can use frozen cauliflower if needed. Just make sure to thaw and dry the cauliflower completely before coating and baking.

Can I freeze these buffalo cauliflower wings?
Yes! You can freeze the baked, uncoated cauliflower wings. Once cooled, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the freezer and coat with buffalo sauce.

Can I make these buffalo cauliflower wings spicier?
Yes, you can add extra cayenne pepper to the batter or buffalo sauce to adjust the heat level to your liking.

What dipping sauces pair well with buffalo cauliflower wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy yogurt-based dip are great choices to complement the spicy buffalo sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and savor every crispy, spicy bite!

Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp melted vegan butter (or regular butter)

• Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Be sure to cut them into pieces that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the water, whisking until you get a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.
• Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll each piece in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
• Bake the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden and crispy. Flip the cauliflower halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
• Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter until well combined.
• Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over the top of the wings. You can either toss the cauliflower in the sauce or use a brush to coat them evenly.
• Bake Again: Return the cauliflower wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and crisp up a bit.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.