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
Scale
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
