Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are not only full of flavor but also super easy to make. They’re baked, not fried, making them a lighter option without compromising taste. The buttermilk coating ensures the cauliflower crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the buffalo sauce delivers the perfect amount of heat and tang. Plus, they’re vegan and can be made gluten-free with a few simple substitutions!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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¾ cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup buffalo sauce
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2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
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In another bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each cauliflower floret into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
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Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
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While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted coconut oil or vegan butter in a small bowl.
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Once the cauliflower is done, toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately, ideally with a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 40 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter or coconut oil for the sauce.
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Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour.
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Baking Alternative: For an even crispier texture, you can air fry the cauliflower florets for about 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
Storage/Reheating
For the best texture, buffalo cauliflower wings are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 400°F for 8 minutes on each side for a crunchy finish.
FAQs
1. Can I make these buffalo cauliflower wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cauliflower florets and buttermilk coating up to 3 hours in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works just fine if you’re not concerned about gluten.
3. How do I get the cauliflower extra crispy?
To get a crispier texture, bake the cauliflower at a high temperature and flip them halfway through the cooking time.
4. Can I use any buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own using hot sauce, vinegar, and butter.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sauce to your liking.
6. Can I freeze buffalo cauliflower wings?
It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze the cooked cauliflower after baking. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
7. What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower wings?
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, or carrot sticks for a complete appetizer spread.
8. How can I make these wings sweeter?
To balance the heat, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce.
9. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, air-frying works great for these wings. Just air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
10. Can I make this recipe without a coating?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the coating and simply roast the cauliflower with olive oil and spices for a less crispy alternative.
Conclusion
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or just a spicy snack! Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious—these wings will quickly become a favorite in your appetizer rotation.
PrintBuffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthy yet flavorful alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Made with crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying snack. This vegan and gluten-free recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat and crunch while being easy to make and bake!
Ingredients
1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
¾ cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar, then let sit for 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each cauliflower floret into the buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture.
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Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
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Mix buffalo sauce and melted coconut oil (or vegan butter) in a small bowl.
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Once cauliflower is done, toss in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
Notes
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To make these wings gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
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For extra crispy texture, air-fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American