Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2/3 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); Optional: chopped green onions and dairy-free ranch for serving

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Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are my go-to when I want a flavorful, healthier version of a classic game day favorite. Oven-baked instead of fried and packed with plant-based goodness, they’re the perfect appetizer or side dish to impress guests—or just to treat myself.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

¾ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¾ cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil

⅔ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: chopped green onions and dairy-free ranch for serving

Directions

I preheat my oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water to create a smooth batter.

I dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off the excess, and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

I bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway to get them evenly crispy.

After baking, I toss or brush the cauliflower with a mix of olive oil and buffalo sauce until well coated.

I return the cauliflower to the oven for another 20 minutes until they’re golden, crispy, and slightly browned.

I serve them hot with chopped green onions and a side of dairy-free ranch, if I’m in the mood.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, for a total of 50 minutes. Each serving comes in at approximately 160 kcal.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: I swap the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Extra Spicy: I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a fiery kick.

BBQ Twist: I use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a smoky, sweet variation.

Air Fryer Method: When I want them extra crispy, I cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Cheesy Topping: I sprinkle nutritional yeast on top after baking for a cheesy, dairy-free finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again. I avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy.

FAQs

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

To get that perfect crisp, I make sure the florets aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet. I also recommend using convection bake if my oven has it.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the batter and cauliflower in advance. I keep them separate until I’m ready to bake for the best texture.

Is there a good substitute for buffalo sauce?

If I want a milder flavor, I mix hot sauce with a little melted vegan butter. BBQ sauce also works great for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze the cauliflower wings?

I don’t recommend freezing them after baking, as they tend to lose their texture. If needed, I freeze the battered raw cauliflower and bake straight from frozen.

What should I serve with buffalo cauliflower wings?

I like to serve them with celery sticks, carrot slices, and a creamy dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dip.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are everything I want in a snack—crunchy, spicy, and totally satisfying without any guilt. Whether I’m hosting friends or just treating myself, this easy recipe delivers every time.

📖 Recipe:

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Crispy, spicy, and oven-baked, these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthier, plant-based twist on a game day classic. Packed with bold flavor and easy to make, they’re a perfect vegan appetizer or side dish.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and water to form a smooth batter.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, and place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil. Toss or brush the baked cauliflower with the sauce mixture until well coated.
Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until golden, crispy, and slightly browned.
Serve hot with chopped green onions and dairy-free ranch, if desired.