Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Introduction
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a flavorful and spicy vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken wings. These crispy, tender bites are coated in a spicy Buffalo sauce that packs a punch, perfect for game day or a tasty snack.

Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce (we used Frank’s!)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk and stir until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, coating each piece evenly. Arrange the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each floret for air circulation.
- Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes. Then, flip the florets carefully to ensure even cooking and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Step 5: While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the Buffalo sauce by whisking together the melted butter and Buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Step 6: Once the cauliflower is finished baking, toss the hot florets in the Buffalo sauce mixture until fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower for a couple of minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Use almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Add a sprinkle of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
Storage
Store any leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these wings gluten-free without compromising texture.
Can I prepare the batter and cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the cauliflower in the batter and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bake them soon after to maintain crispiness.
Print
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional chicken wings, coated in a spicy batter, baked to golden perfection, and tossed in a classic buffalo sauce for an irresistible snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Batter:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Buffalo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (Frank’s)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until the batter is thick and smooth.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Ensure the cauliflower is fully covered in the thick batter for a crispy texture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake First Side: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking the batter and cauliflower.
- Flip and Bake Second Side: Carefully flip each cauliflower floret to the other side and continue baking for another 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While baking, combine the melted butter and Buffalo sauce in a bowl, whisking until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once baked, transfer the hot cauliflower florets to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss gently to coat them thoroughly in the spicy sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a tasty appetizer or snack, optionally with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- To make it vegan, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice and use vegan butter and buffalo sauce.
- Make sure to space the cauliflower evenly on the baking sheets to allow hot air circulation and even crisping.
- Use gloves when tossing in buffalo sauce if you want to avoid skin irritation from the spicy sauce.
- These wings are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower wings, vegetarian wings, spicy cauliflower recipe, buffalo sauce appetizer, baked cauliflower wings

