Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

These Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, plant-based take on the classic buffalo wings. The cauliflower is battered, baked until crispy, and then tossed in a zesty, spicy buffalo sauce, creating the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether you’re looking for a healthier snack or need a flavorful appetizer for a gathering, these cauliflower wings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something bold and spicy without the meat!

Add Your Own Twist

Feel free to adjust the level of spice in your buffalo sauce! Add more hot sauce for an extra kick or go lighter if you prefer a milder flavor. You can even experiment with different sauces like BBQ or sweet chili for a fun variation. Try topping your wings with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the heat. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to customize to your taste!

What You Need to Make Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or blue cheese dressing for serving

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add water or plant-based milk to create a smooth batter.
  3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly, and then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  5. While the cauliflower is baking, heat the buffalo sauce in a small pan over low heat until warm.
  6. Once the cauliflower wings are baked, toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

These wings are not only packed with bold flavor but also crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like the real thing! The buffalo sauce brings the heat, while the cauliflower provides a satisfying bite. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or just looking for a fun twist on a classic dish, these cauliflower wings will hit the spot. They’re perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or just enjoying as a main dish with some veggies or a salad on the side.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a great option for a variety of occasions. They’re perfect for watching the game with friends, serving at a party, or even enjoying as a satisfying dinner on a casual night. Plus, they’re totally vegetarian and can be made vegan if you swap the milk and dip with plant-based alternatives.

FAQs for Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

1. Can I make these cauliflower wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the cauliflower florets and batter them in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. After baking, if you want to make them ahead, just bake and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, you can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?

While fresh cauliflower gives the best texture, frozen cauliflower can also work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before coating them in the batter to help maintain crispness when baked.

3. How can I make these wings less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with some melted butter to tone down the heat. You can also use a milder hot sauce or opt for a different dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spice.

4. Can I bake these wings instead of frying them?

Yes! This recipe is already baked, making it a healthier option than traditional fried buffalo wings. The cauliflower gets crispy in the oven, so no need to fry them. Just make sure to flip them halfway through the baking process for even crispiness.

5. Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can make these wings gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Be sure to also check the ingredients of your buffalo sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: A Flavorful, Crispy Alternative

These Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, plant-based take on the classic buffalo wings. The cauliflower is battered, baked until crispy, and then tossed in a zesty, spicy buffalo sauce, creating the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether you're looking for a healthier snack or need a flavorful appetizer for a gathering, these cauliflower wings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something bold and spicy without the meat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add water or plant-based milk to create a smooth batter.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it evenly, and then place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  • While the cauliflower is baking, heat the buffalo sauce in a small pan over low heat until warm.
  • Once the cauliflower wings are baked, toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a sweet chili sauce instead.
  • For a vegan version, ensure the buffalo sauce and any dipping sauces are plant-based.
  • You can also experiment with different seasonings in the batter, like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for added heat.