I’m so excited to share this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe with you — it’s my go-to for game day snacks or any time I need a healthy, spicy appetizer that actually satisfies. These baked cauliflower wings have just the right balance of heat and crunch, and the best part? You’ll need fewer than 10 ingredients!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made these crispy, spicy cauliflower wings dozens of times, and they always steal the show. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a healthy twist on a classic wing, this recipe won’t disappoint.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses fewer than 10 pantry staples so you can whip these up anytime.
- Healthy & Delicious: Baked, not fried, for that perfect crispy texture with less guilt.
- Versatile Flavor: Classic buffalo sauce gives them the iconic spicy kick you love.
- Great for Everyone: Easy to make vegetarian or vegan with just a few swaps!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we dive in, here’s a little scoop on the ingredients — nothing fancy, just the good stuff that makes these wings irresistible. Be sure to pick a fresh, firm head of cauliflower and a buffalo sauce you love for that perfect zing.

- Cauliflower: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized florets to mimic wing shapes perfectly.
- Flour: Creates a crispy batter coating to hold that spicy buffalo sauce.
- Ground Paprika: Adds smoky warmth that amps up the flavor.
- Onion Powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder: Brings classic garlicky aroma and taste.
- Salt: Balances and highlights all the other flavors beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Helps bind the batter and tenderize the cauliflower for moist, flavorful bites.
- Butter: Melted and mixed into the buffalo sauce for richness and smoothness.
- Buffalo Sauce: The spicy, tangy coating that turns cauliflower into crave-worthy wings.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about the Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make it vegan, gluten-free, or just add a little twist to suit your taste buds, there’s a variation that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Vegan Version: I love swapping the buttermilk for plant-based buttermilk and replacing the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. It keeps the wings just as flavorful and crispy, perfect for my vegan friends.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour makes this recipe accessible to anyone avoiding gluten, and I’ve found the texture still stays wonderfully crispy!
- Extra Spicy: If you like a little more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or using a hotter buffalo sauce. It kicks things up nicely without overwhelming the flavor.
- Herbed Twist: Mixing in fresh or dried herbs like parsley or oregano into the batter adds a subtle aromatic touch that’s especially nice for a spring or summer gathering.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat with Love
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Lining two baking sheets with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps the cauliflower wings bake evenly without sticking. I always set these aside while I prepare the batter so everything flows smoothly.
Step 2: Whisk Up That Flavorful Batter
In a large bowl, I combine the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Then, I add the buttermilk and stir until the mixture turns into a thick, smooth batter. The thickness is key here—it helps the batter cling beautifully to each cauliflower floret.
Step 3: Coat Each Floret Evenly
Drop your cauliflower florets into the batter and gently toss them so each piece is coated well. I find it easiest to use a spoon or your hands to make sure every nook and cranny gets some love from the batter. This step sets the stage for that amazing crispy crust.
Step 4: Space ’Em Out and Bake
Place the coated florets onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for air to circulate around them—this is how they get that coveted crispiness. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F until the edges start to brown and crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking
After 20 minutes, flip each cauliflower wing to the other side to ensure even cooking and crisping. Pop them back in the oven for another 20 minutes. The total 40-minute bake is what transforms these bites from tender to perfectly crispy.
Step 6: Mix Up That Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the melted butter and buffalo sauce in a bowl until smooth and combined. The buttery richness paired with the tangy heat is what gives these wings their irresistible flavor.
Step 7: Toss, Serve, and Enjoy!
Once your cauliflower wings are out of the oven, toss them right into the buffalo sauce bowl while they’re still hot. Give them a good toss until every piece is coated evenly in that spicy, buttery goodness. Serve immediately and watch these crowd-pleasers disappear in no time!
Top Tip
Getting that perfect crispy texture and bold buffalo flavor is what makes this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe shine. These tips come straight from my kitchen experiments, so you can skip the trial and error and dive right into deliciousness!
- Spacing Matters: Make sure to leave enough room between each cauliflower floret on your baking sheet. Crowding them causes steaming instead of crisping. This little step guarantees those golden edges we all crave!
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Baking for 20 minutes on one side and then flipping the cauliflower ensures every nook gets that beautiful baked-on crunch and color.
- Buffalo Sauce Mix: Whisking melted butter with buffalo sauce while the cauliflower bakes lets the flavors meld smoothly. Tossing the hot florets immediately after baking helps the sauce cling perfectly without sogginess.
- Homemade Buttermilk Shortcut: If you don’t have buttermilk handy, mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice into ¾ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This makes all the difference in batter texture and final crispiness!
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Garnishes
Brighten your plate with fresh garnishes that balance the spice and enhance presentation. Crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks are classic, cooling accompaniments. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh herbaceous note. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side adds creamy contrast and elevates the whole experience.
Side Dishes
Serve these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings alongside crunchy potato wedges or sweet potato fries for a satisfying combo. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the heat nicely. For game day, consider pairing with classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a hearty spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. This makes them a great option for prepping ahead or enjoying as a tasty snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this appetizer, flash freeze the baked and sauced cauliflower wings on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. This is an excellent way to prep in bulk for future gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat and maintain crispiness, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep that irresistible crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Simply swap the buttermilk with your favorite plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and replace the butter with melted coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the recipe stays the same and remains deliciously crispy and spicy.
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour in the batter with any gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend suitable for baking to maintain that crispy coating on your cauliflower wings.
Sogginess usually happens if the cauliflower florets are too close on the baking sheet or not baked long enough before tossing in sauce. Make sure to space the pieces out for proper air circulation and bake both sides thoroughly for 40 minutes total. Toss with sauce just before serving.
While you can prepare the dry mix in advance, it’s best to combine the batter with buttermilk just before coating the cauliflower to keep the batter thick and fresh. This ensures the best crispy texture after baking.
Final Thoughts
Making a Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of classic buffalo wings with a healthy, vegetarian twist. Whether you’re hosting game day or looking for a tasty snack, these wings offer a perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy kick without the fuss. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this recipe a permanent favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 small servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings recipe is a healthy and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Made with baked cauliflower coated in a flavorful buffalo sauce, these wings are both crispy and spicy, using under 10 simple ingredients for a quick preparation.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup Buffalo Sauce (e.g., Frank's)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside to prepare the cauliflower.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add buttermilk and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing them carefully to coat each piece evenly with the thick mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheets: Place the coated florets onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow air circulation for crispiness.
- Bake first side: Bake the cauliflower wings for 20 minutes at 375°F until edges start to crisp and color.
- Flip and bake second side: Turn the florets over to the other side and bake for another 20 minutes to ensure even crisping.
- Prepare buffalo sauce: While baking, whisk together melted butter and buffalo sauce in a bowl until combined and smooth.
- Toss with sauce and serve: Once cauliflower is baked, transfer the hot florets into the buffalo sauce bowl and toss well to coat every piece. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk (dairy or plant-based) and let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
- For vegan buffalo cauliflower wings, substitute buttermilk with plant-based buttermilk and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- To make these gluten free, use gluten free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Ensure to space out cauliflower pieces on the baking sheet so they become crispy on all sides during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg



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