Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Try Our Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Spicy & Satisfying!

Buffalo cauliflower wings have changed how we think about plant-based snacks with their spicy, crispy charm.

These veggie treats capture the taste of traditional chicken wings while offering a healthier twist.

People who love vegetables and those who watch what they eat enjoy this tasty dish as a way to savor familiar flavors without using meat.

Turning simple cauliflower into a crunchy, zesty snack is a fresh take on comfort food that meets different dietary needs.

With crispy coating, tangy hot sauce, and perfectly roasted pieces, these wings are a hit at parties and casual meals.

This dish shows off creative cooking ideas, proving that veggies can be just as fun and tasty as meat dishes.

Why Everyone Loves Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Whip Up Kid-Friendly Delights: Perfect for transforming boring vegetables into exciting, crispy treats that children will actually enjoy eating.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish, with simple steps anyone can follow, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous snack cravings.
  • Healthier Alternative to Traditional Wings: Packed with nutritious cauliflower and baked instead of deep-fried, offering a guilt-free version of a classic appetizer that doesn't compromise on flavor or crunch.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Suitable for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings, these cauliflower wings appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-lovers alike, ensuring everyone at the table finds something delicious to enjoy.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Ingredient Breakdown

Cauliflower Base:
  • Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable perfect for creating crispy wing alternative, choose firm and white florets with no brown spots.
Crispy Coating Mix:
  • Cornmeal, Bread Crumbs, Ground Hemp Seeds, Almond Flour: Crunchy dry base that provides texture and golden exterior, select fine-ground varieties for even coating.
  • Parsley, Garlic Powder: Herbs and spices that add subtle flavor complexity and aromatic notes.
Wet Batter Components:
  • Almond Flour: Protein-rich binding agent that helps create smooth batter consistency.
  • Buffalo Hot Sauce: Signature spicy flavor that mimics traditional wing sauce, choose desired heat level.
  • Sparkling Water: Lightens batter and creates airy texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps create extra crispiness and lift in coating.
  • Vegetable Oil: Optional ingredient for extra moisture in batter.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Vegan Ranch Dressing: Cool, creamy dipping sauce.
  • Celery, Carrots: Fresh vegetable sides for balanced presentation and additional crunch.

Steps To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Steps To Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Cauliflower

Crank the oven to a sizzling 450°F. Chop the cauliflower into bite-sized chunks perfect for munching – aim for slider or nugget-sized pieces that’ll make everyone happy.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cornmeal
  • Bread crumbs
  • Ground hemp seeds
  • Parsley
  • Garlic powder

Transfer this crunchy mixture to a wide dish or sturdy plastic bag for coating magic.

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Batter

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • Almond flour
  • Buffalo hot sauce
  • Sparkling water
  • Baking powder

Blend until silky smooth. Add a splash of oil for extra richness if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Dunk and Coat Cauliflower

Use one hand for batter, another for coating. Dip each cauliflower piece into the wet mixture, then roll in the crispy coating. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Shake and Bake Alternative

For the lazy chef method, toss batter-coated cauliflower into a plastic bag and shake until fully covered. Work in batches if needed.

Step 6: First Bake

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25 minutes until they start looking golden and tempting.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Pull out the cauliflower and drizzle hot sauce all over. Flip the pieces and coat the other side generously.

Step 8: Final Crisp

Return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Watch for that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your wings with cool vegan ranch, crunchy celery, and sweet carrots. Dig in while they’re hot!

Tips To Get Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Just Right

  • Master Coating Technique: Use one hand for batter and another for dry ingredients to keep your hands clean and prevent clumping during the breading process.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust buffalo hot sauce quantity to control heat intensity, making the dish mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers.
  • Perfect Crispiness Hack: Spread cauliflower pieces evenly on the baking sheet to ensure each piece gets crispy edges and doesn't steam instead of roasting.
  • Gluten-Free Modification: Swap bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like ground hemp seeds or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Veggie Prep Pro Tip: Cut cauliflower into uniform sizes for consistent cooking and ensure each piece gets an equal amount of crispy coating.

How To Keep And Warm Up Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F, spread wings on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, restoring their original crunch.
  • Air Fryer Method: Reheat wings at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispy texture.
  • Microwave Caution: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the wings soggy and lose their delightful crispiness.

Tasty Sides For Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Pair with Cool Blue Cheese Dip: Creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce, cutting through the heat while complementing the crispy cauliflower texture.
  • Create a Refreshing Beer Companion: Light, hoppy craft beers like pale ales or wheat beers provide a crisp counterpoint to the spicy wings, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing, cool cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a soothing contrast to the fiery buffalo cauliflower, adding a crisp, clean element to the meal.
  • Match with Sparkling Kombucha: Effervescent, slightly tart kombucha helps neutralize the spiciness while providing a probiotic-rich, low-alcohol beverage that complements the dish's bold flavors.

Different Flavors Of Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Gluten-Free Buffalo Cauliflower: Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to make the recipe completely gluten-free. Use gluten-free hot sauce and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap cornmeal with ground pork rinds or crushed almond flour. Reduce hot sauce quantity and use a low-carb hot sauce alternative to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.
  • Air Fryer Adaptation: Transform the recipe for air fryer cooking by reducing temperature to 400°F and cooking for 12-15 minutes. Spray cauliflower lightly with avocado oil to ensure crispiness and even browning.
  • Spice-Level Customization: Adjust hot sauce intensity by mixing mild buffalo sauce with sriracha or adding cayenne pepper for heat lovers. Create a mild version for children by using less hot sauce or substituting with sweet chili sauce.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings FAQs

  • Is buffalo cauliflower wings healthier than traditional chicken wings?

Yes, these cauliflower wings are lower in calories, contain more fiber, and provide plant-based protein compared to traditional chicken wings. They’re an excellent alternative for vegetarians and those seeking a nutritious snack.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. The recipe already uses ingredients that are naturally gluten-free like cornmeal and almond flour.

  • How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower wings?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce you use. For mild heat, choose a gentler buffalo sauce. For extra kick, select a spicier brand. You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

  • What makes the coating crispy in this recipe?

The combination of cornmeal, bread crumbs, and baking powder creates a crunchy exterior. The batter and double-coating technique ensures a crisp texture when baked at high temperature, giving these wings a satisfying crunch without deep-frying.

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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings bring plant-based excitement to classic game day snacks, delivering crispy, tangy goodness without meat. Crunchy florets coated in zesty sauce promise a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1.75 cups vegan buffalo sauce
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 cup sparkling soda water

Crispy Coating:

  • 0.75 cup cornmeal
  • 0.75 cup bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 6 tablespoons hemp seeds or almond flour
  • 6 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 6 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Serving Accompaniments:

  • Vegan ranch dressing
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Optional: drizzle of oil

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C), creating an ideal environment for crispy transformation.
  2. Dissect the cauliflower into generously sized slider or kid-friendly nugget configurations, ensuring uniform pieces for optimal coating.
  3. Orchestrate the crispy armor by amalgamating cornmeal, bread crumbs, ground hemp seeds, parsley, and garlic powder in a receptacle. Migrate this mixture to a shallow vessel or malleable container for efficient distribution.
  4. Craft the precipitation layer by whisking almond flour, fiery buffalo sauce, effervescent water, and leavening agent until achieving a silken consistency. Optionally introduce a whisper of culinary lubricant for enhanced texture.
  5. Employ a bifurcated hand technique: submerge each cauliflower fragment into the liquid mixture, then ceremoniously enrobe with the crispy granular shield.
  6. Meticulously arrange the adorned morsels on a parchment-draped baking landscape, maintaining strategic spacing to guarantee comprehensive crispiness.
  7. For expedited coating, utilize the shake-and-transform technique by nestling batter-drenched florets within a plastic sanctuary, agitating to ensure complete coverage.
  8. Dispatch into the heated chamber and roast for 25 minutes, allowing thermal currents to transmute the exterior.
  9. Extract and lavish with buffalo sauce, executing a precise flip to guarantee comprehensive sauce integration.
  10. Return to the thermal environment for an additional 10-minute finale, cultivating a conclusive crunch.
  11. Present immediately alongside vegan ranch elixir, accompanied by crisp celery and vibrant carrot companions.

Notes

  • Customize the size of cauliflower pieces to match your serving preference, ensuring even cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • Experiment with alternative flour options like chickpea or rice flour for gluten-free variations that maintain a satisfying crunch.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting buffalo sauce quantity, allowing family members with different heat tolerances to enjoy the dish.
  • Achieve maximum crispiness by using a wire rack on the baking sheet,
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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