Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade buffalo cauliflower wings with this easy baking recipe! These crispy, spicy vegetarian "wings" feature a perfectly seasoned batter and tangy buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's healthier than traditional wings but just as satisfying.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large cauliflower head (about 800g), cut into florets</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml plant-based milk (or regular milk)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml buffalo sauce (or hot sauce mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Celery sticks, for serving</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 210 calories

🥑 Fat: 8 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 1 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 29 g

🍭 Sugar: 6 g

🍗 Protein: 5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 580 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowls</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Silicone brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on your cauliflower wings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cut your cauliflower into wing-sized florets, keeping them large enough to hold their shape (about 5cm pieces). Try to make them relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Rinse them under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels - excess moisture will prevent proper crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The spices in the batter will provide a foundation of flavor before the buffalo sauce is added.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour in the plant-based milk and whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter with no lumps. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still able to drip off slowly - this consistency ensures a substantial coating that will crisp well in the oven.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Using your hands or tongs, allow excess batter to drip off before placing the florets on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each piece to promote even browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the batter starts to set and becomes lightly golden. The initial bake creates a crust that will later hold the buffalo sauce without becoming soggy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the cauliflower is baking, prepare your buffalo sauce by combining the buffalo sauce (or hot sauce with melted butter), olive oil, and honey/maple syrup if using. The oil helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower while adding a touch of richness, and the sweetener balances the heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>After the initial 15 minutes of baking, remove the tray from the oven. Using a silicone brush or spoon, generously coat each cauliflower piece with the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Return the coated cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the edges are crispy and caramelized. You'll know they're done when the sauce has baked into the batter and the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a fork.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Allow the wings to cool for 5 minutes before serving - this brief resting period allows the exterior to crisp up further. Serve warm with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side. Enjoy these straight away, as they're at their crispiest fresh from the oven!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe?

The recipe calls for cauliflower, plain flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, plant-based milk, buffalo sauce (or hot sauce with butter), olive oil, optional honey/maple syrup, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving with celery sticks.

How to cook Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Buffalo Cauliflower Wings by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned batter, baking at 220°C for 15 minutes, then brushing with buffalo sauce and baking for another 10 minutes until crispy. This two-stage baking process ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior for the perfect meat-free alternative.

Can I make these cauliflower wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend or chickpea flour. The recipe works wonderfully with these alternatives, maintaining the crispy texture while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease.

How do I get my cauliflower wings extra crispy?

For extra crispy cauliflower wings, ensure you thoroughly dry the florets before battering, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 220°C, avoid overcrowding the baking tray, and consider adding 2 tablespoons of cornflour to your batter for additional crunch.

What's the best way to reheat leftover vegetable wings without them going soggy?

Reheat leftover cauliflower wings in an air fryer at 180°C for 3-4 minutes or in a conventional oven at 200°C for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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