Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a spicy twist on a classic favorite! Enjoy crispy cauliflower tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, giving you all the flavor without the guilt.
These wings are perfect for game day or a fun snack. Honestly, who needs chicken when veggies taste this good? 🥦🔥 I like to serve them with cool ranch for dipping—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! Choose a medium head that’s firm and fresh. If you can’t find cauliflower, you could try using broccoli instead for a similar effect.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but gluten-free flour is a great option if you need to avoid gluten. You might also use chickpea flour for a bit more protein and a distinct flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Use store-bought buffalo sauce for convenience, but if you prefer homemade, combine hot sauce with melted butter for instant results. Adjust the heat level according to your taste!
Olive Oil: This helps with crispiness. If you want a different flavor, try avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead. These alternatives give a unique twist to the dish.
How Do You Get Cauliflower Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting that wonderful crispy texture is key for these wings. It starts with the batter application. Make sure each floret is well-coated with the batter so it fries up nicely in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature and ensure the baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the florets initially until they’re golden brown—and don’t skip the halfway flip! This helps them cook evenly.
- When tossing with buffalo sauce, drizzle a bit of olive oil for added crispiness. This creates a shiny coating that helps in the final bake.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup water or plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 40-45 minutes for baking. So, you’ll need about 50-55 minutes in total to whip up these delicious Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. Perfect for game day or a fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking later on.
2. Making the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water (or plant-based milk). Now add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined. This will be the coating for your cauliflower wings!
3. Coating the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Once coated, place the florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This is important so they cook evenly!
4. Baking the Cauliflower:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower for 25-30 minutes. They should turn a nice golden brown and get crispy. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Adding the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower wings are baking, grab another bowl and mix the baked cauliflower wings with the buffalo sauce and a drizzle of olive oil. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for that delicious flavor!
6. Baking Again:
Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the baking sheet and pop them back in the oven. Bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help the sauce stick and give them an extra crispy finish.
7. Final Touches:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, transfer your beautifully coated cauliflower wings to a serving bowl.
8. Garnishing:
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness! Now they’re ready to serve.
Enjoy your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings as a flavorful appetizer or snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed. Other alternatives like almond flour or chickpea flour work well too, but keep in mind that they may alter the texture slightly. Just make sure the batter remains thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets.
How Do I Make this Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter. You can also use a spicier buffalo sauce or drizzle extra hot sauce over the wings before serving!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the cauliflower wings in advance! Assemble the battered cauliflower and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy!
