Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe: Fiery Flavorful Fun

Spicy and crispy buffalo cauliflower wings send taste buds on an electrifying journey through flavor town.

These golden-brown bites pack a seriously delicious punch that rivals traditional chicken wings.

Vegans and meat lovers alike will devour this plant-based twist on a classic appetizer.

The recipe delivers maximum crunch with a fiery buffalo sauce that coats each floret perfectly.

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cauliflower wings bring bold, zesty excitement to any gathering.

Zero guilt and maximum satisfaction await you with this mouthwatering dish that proves vegetables can be seriously addictive.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and transform your snack game forever.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Power Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

For Coating:
  • Superfine Almond Flour, Unsweetened Almond Milk: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides a delightful crunch with a smooth, creamy base for the batter.
  • Onion Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, savory flavors that elevate the cauliflower's natural taste and add a zesty kick to every bite.
For Main Ingredient:
  • Cauliflower Florets: The star of the dish, offering a hearty, nutritious alternative to traditional chicken wings with a satisfying texture and ability to absorb amazing flavors.
For Sauce and Finishing:
  • Buffalo Sauce, Vegan Butter: Delivers that classic, tangy heat with a smooth, rich coating that makes these wings irresistibly addictive and authentically buffalo-style.

Tools for Frying or Roasting Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower and achieving crispy texture.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for coating cauliflower florets in batter.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing buffalo sauce ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Great for flipping and tossing cauliflower during baking.

Easy Directions to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Cauliflower Prep

Remove most stems from cauliflower and slice into small, bite-sized pieces.

  • Batter Creation

Blend almond flour, almond milk, and spices to form a smooth, creamy mixture that will give the cauliflower a crispy coating.

  • Coating Process

Dunk each cauliflower piece into the batter, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor and crunch.

  • Initial Baking

Spread coated pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing them separately to guarantee crispy edges. Roast in a hot oven until golden and slightly crunchy.

  • Spicy Sauce Bath

Mix hot sauce with melted vegan butter to create a zesty, tangy buffalo coating that will transform these veggie bites into a crowd-pleasing snack.

  • Final Crisp

Drench roasted cauliflower in buffalo sauce, then return to oven for a quick additional bake to lock in flavors and create an irresistible texture.

  • Serving

Plate these spicy, crunchy bites and serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for a perfect flavor balance.

Sauce and Flavor Tips for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Add a pinch of cornstarch or nutritional yeast to the batter for extra crunch and golden texture that will make your cauliflower wings irresistibly crispy.
  • Adjust the hot sauce quantity to manage heat intensity – less sauce for mild lovers, more for those craving fiery bites. Mix different hot sauces like sriracha or habanero for unique flavor profiles.
  • Whip up creamy ranch using cashews, vegan mayo, or plant-based yogurt. Blend with fresh herbs like dill, chives, and garlic for a cooling complement to the spicy wings.
  • Transform these wings from oven-baked to air fryer or grilled for different textures. Air fryer gives super crispy exterior, while grilling adds subtle smoky undertones that elevate the entire dish.
  • Replace almond flour with coconut flour, ground flaxseed, or crushed pork rinds for varied nutritional profiles and exciting texture variations that keep the recipe flexible for different dietary needs.

Serving Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Sides

  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for munching during sports events or movie marathons, these spicy cauliflower bites will keep everyone coming back for more.
  • Party Appetizer Twist: Serve on a large platter with blue cheese or ranch dressing, creating an instant conversation starter that looks restaurant-quality but homemade.
  • Healthy Snack Makeover: Replace traditional deep-fried wings with this lighter, veggie-packed alternative that delivers bold flavor without excessive calories or guilt.
  • Dipping Sauce Playground: Experiment with different cool dipping sauces like vegan ranch, creamy herb dip, or tangy yogurt-based sauces to complement the spicy buffalo coating.

How to Store and Reheat Cauliflower Wings

  • Fridge First Aid: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to maintain crispiness and prevent sticking.
  • Crispy Comeback Strategy: Revive chilled wings by reheating in an air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. Oven method works too – spread on a baking sheet and warm at 400°F for 6-7 minutes until exterior regains crunch.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare batter and chop cauliflower up to one day before cooking. Keep ingredients separately sealed in refrigerator to maintain maximum freshness and texture quality.
  • Freezer Friendly Hack: Freeze uncoated battered florets on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen state, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect golden results.
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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy buffalo cauliflower wings deliver crispy, plant-based excitement for game day snacking. Zesty sauce and crunchy texture make this appetizer an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll devour with enthusiasm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup superfine almond flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tsp onion salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsps vegan butter

Instructions

  1. Prep Cauliflower: Carefully trim and segment cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, removing excess stem.
  2. Batter Creation: Whisk almond flour, almond milk, onion salt, paprika, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a consistent coating mixture.
  3. Initial Roasting: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C), line baking sheet with parchment paper, dip each floret completely in batter, arrange in single layer without overcrowding, and roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration.
  4. Buffalo Sauce Preparation: Simultaneously craft sauce by blending hot sauce and melted vegan butter (or ghee) in a separate bowl during initial roasting period.
  5. Final Baking: Drizzle buffalo sauce over roasted florets, gently toss for comprehensive coating, return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until edges crisp and caramelize.
  6. Serving: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs and present alongside complementary dipping sauces for an enhanced culinary experience.

Notes

  • Floret Sizing Matters: Cut cauliflower into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • Prevent Soggy Wings: Space florets on baking sheet without touching to allow proper air circulation and crisp edges.
  • Batter Consistency Key: Whisk batter ingredients thoroughly to create smooth, clump-free coating that adheres perfectly to cauliflower.
  • Sauce Application Technique: Drizzle and toss buffalo sauce gently to maintain crispy exterior while ensuring full flavor coverage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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