Name: Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 3/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (e.g., Frank's)

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!

Several pieces of crispy cauliflower coated in a bright orange sauce are spread evenly across a black metal cooling rack. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred texture with darker spots, giving them a roasted look. Green parsley leaves are scattered among the cauliflower as garnish, adding a fresh touch with their vibrant green color. A small clear glass bowl filled with smooth white dipping sauce sits on the rack to the left side. The whole arrangement is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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.

Flat lay of a fresh head of cauliflower broken into florets, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing bright red buffalo sauce, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a whole clean white egg, a small white bowl with creamy buttermilk, and small piles of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

The image shows many small, bright orange cauliflower pieces that look crispy and coated in sauce. They are placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled surface with small green herb leaves scattered around. A woman's hand is dipping one cauliflower piece into a small silver cup filled with white creamy sauce. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred look in some spots, making them appear cooked and flavorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

A white bowl with a thin dark rim is filled with a light orange batter speckled with darker spices, and a piece of light cream cauliflower is being dipped into the batter using metal tongs held by a woman's hand. Around the bowl, there are several cauliflower florets in light cream color scattered on a white marbled surface. In the upper background, a baking tray with brown parchment paper holds cauliflower pieces coated in the same orange batter, showing a mix of smooth and bumpy textures. A clear glass measuring cup with water sits near the bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I make this recipe vegan?

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.

Is it possible to make these wings gluten free?

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.

Why are my cauliflower wings soggy?

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.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

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!