Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on the classic spicy snack. Made from crispy cauliflower florets coated in spicy Buffalo sauce, they give you all the flavor without the meat!
I love serving these at parties—people can’t believe they’re cauliflower! They pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Who knew healthy could be so fun? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is the star here! If you’re in a pinch, you could also use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and pat dry before using.
Flour: All-purpose flour is great, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour or gluten-free blends work well too! Just note that they may change the texture a bit.
Buffalo Sauce: I love using store-bought for convenience. If you want to make your own, just mix hot sauce with melted butter. You can adjust the spice level to your preference!
Butter: The melted butter is optional, but it does enhance the richness of the sauce. For a dairy-free option, simply skip it and make the sauce using hot sauce alone.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Wings Crispy?
Crispiness can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get perfectly crunchy wings! Make sure to follow these steps for the best results:
- Preheat your oven well to ensure the heat is high enough to crisp up the batter.
- Let the coated cauliflower bake without crowding them on the baking sheet. This helps air circulate.
- Don’t skip the flipping step; it helps ensure an even crispiness.
- For an extra crunch, consider a final broil for 1-2 minutes after the last bake, but keep an eye on them!
With these tips, your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings will turn out crispy and delicious every time!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade, typically hot sauce mixed with melted butter)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for richer sauce)
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for baking, totaling around 50 minutes. It’s an easy and fun dish that you can whip up in no time for game day, parties, or simply a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help give your cauliflower wings a nice crunch! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too thick that it doesn’t stick well.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
4. Bake the First Time:
Bake the battered cauliflower in the oven for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they get crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them as they start to turn golden brown.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower bakes, mix together the Buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Stir well to combine until the butter is fully blended into the sauce. This will give the wings that classic spicy flavor!
6. Coat in Buffalo Sauce:
Take the cauliflower out of the oven. Carefully dip or toss each floret in the Buffalo sauce until it’s evenly coated. You can also use a brush to apply the sauce for a more controlled coating.
7. Bake Again:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This step helps the sauce caramelize a bit and gives the wings extra crispiness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the cauliflower from the oven once it’s crispy and golden. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color! Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your spicy, flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings vegan, swap out the melted butter in the Buffalo sauce for a plant-based alternative or simply use hot sauce alone. Additionally, ensure your ranch or blue cheese dressing is dairy-free as well!
Can I Store Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What Dipping Sauces Go Well with These Wings?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic choices! However, you can also try serving them with a spicy yogurt dip or a creamy avocado sauce for a fun twist.
