Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are about to become your new go-to snack! These plant-based wings have all the heat and satisfying crunch you adore—from game day to weeknight cravings—without a hint of chicken. Let’s swap the meat for cauliflower and surprise everyone with veggie magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to create Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, but each one plays a key role in getting that restaurant-style crunch and bold flavor. Let’s take a peek at what you need and why you’ll want them all in your kitchen.

• Cauliflower: The star of the show! Choose a fresh, firm head for the perfect “wing” texture and mild flavor that soaks up all the spicy sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour): Forms the base of your batter—either version works, depending on dietary needs.
• Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for an extra-light, crispy coating.
• Unsweetened Vegan Milk: Binds the batter and helps it stick to every floret without adding extra flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; a little goes a long way to highlight all the other flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Gives a savory, aromatic note to both the batter and the sauce.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (or GF Breadcrumbs): Brings that shattering crunch you expect from great wings.
• Vinegar-Based Hot Sauce: Frank’s Hot Sauce is classic, but any robust, vinegar-based variety brings that Buffalo zip.
• Vegan Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps the sauce cling to the wings.
• Maple Syrup: Balances out the bold heat with just enough subtle, natural sweetness.
• Vegan Ranch Dressing (for dipping): Cooling, creamy, and a must-have partner for Buffalo spice.

Variations

One of the best things about Buffalo Cauliflower Wings? They’re endlessly adaptable! Whether you want them hotter, milder, gluten-free, or with a twist, you can easily make them your own with these flavor-packed ideas.

• Make Them Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño to the batter or sauce for fiery heat lovers.
• Sweet BBQ Wings: Swap Buffalo sauce for your favorite vegan BBQ sauce and a touch of maple syrup for sticky-sweet, smoky bites.
• Cheesy Buffalo Bites: Sprinkle your favorite vegan cheese shreds on top during the last few minutes of baking for gooey, melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free & Grain-Free: Use certified gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, or try crushed rice crackers for a totally grain-free crunch.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower & Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C), so it’s nice and hot. Line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or greased foil to make cleanup easy. Chop your cauliflower into wing-sized florets (think: a couple of bites each)—try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.

Step 2: Coat and Bread the Florets

In one bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, vegan milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until totally smooth (add more milk if the batter’s too thick). Drop your cauliflower florets into the batter and use a spoon or spatula to coat them thoroughly, then transfer to a second bowl with your seasoned breadcrumbs and coat each piece so it’s completely covered.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Arrange the breaded florets on your prepared baking sheet, making sure none are touching—a little breathing room helps them crisp! Bake for 22 minutes until the outsides are a gorgeous golden brown and the insides are tender.

Step 4: Toss with Sweet Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are baking, whip up your Buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce, vegan butter, garlic powder, and maple syrup in a pot. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes to thicken and intensify the flavors. Once the wings are crisp, gently toss them in the sauce until gloriously coated, then return them to the oven for 5 more minutes—this sets the glaze and makes them sticky and irresistible.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Ranch

Let those beauties cool just a minute (so you don’t burn your tongue!) and serve with vegan ranch for dunking. Dive in while they’re crisp and piping hot—for that classic Buffalo Cauliflower Wings experience!

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

Top your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. If you’re feeling classic, offer a few celery and carrot sticks on the side for that familiar “wings platter” vibe—crunchy, cool, and perfect for scooping up extra dip.

Side Dishes

Pair your wings with vegan ranch or blue cheese dip for the ultimate cool-down effect. For heartier meals, serve alongside seasoned potato wedges, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They’re fantastic on appetizer platters, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings look amazing stacked high on a platter with ramekins of dip, or you can skewer smaller pieces for bite-sized party snacks. Try loading them onto a baked potato, folding them into tacos, or even stuffing them in a pita with crunchy veggies and ranch for a Buffalo wing-inspired sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are at their best right out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture softens a bit after chilling, but the flavor stays bold and delicious!

Freezing

This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, as the breading gets soggy once thawed. For the crispiest wings, bake and enjoy fresh—or refrigerate and reheat within a few days.

Reheating

To bring back that signature crunch, reheat your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in a hot oven (around 425ºF) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but expect softer wings—just don’t skip the dipping sauce!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you’ll find yourself making them for every party, movie night, or anytime snack craving. They bring the perfect blend of spice, crunch, and sheer feel-good fun—trust me, even the biggest skeptics will be reaching for seconds. Can’t wait for you to dive in and fall in love with this crave-worthy, crowd-pleasing favorite!

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