Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ cup water; 1 cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets; Buffalo sauce, for brushing; Ranch dressing or vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a snack that delivers all the fiery, tangy goodness of a classic wings platter but with a wholesome, plant-based twist, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These crispy, baked cauliflower bites soak up a vibrant buffalo sauce that’s perfectly spicy and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just want something fun for game day, this dish combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and a little bit addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right side, there is a whole head of cauliflower with green leaves attached. Around it are several cauliflower florets, off-white with a bumpy texture, placed scattered. On the left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white flour at the top and another smaller clear bowl with white powder near the cauliflower florets. A glass jar with bright red sauce sits near the bowls. In the lower left corner, a small white bowl contains a beige creamy sauce with a smooth texture and black pepper specks. Nearby is a tiny clear bowl with bright red powder, likely paprika. On the bottom right, a small clear glass holds bright green celery sticks with leafy tops, standing upright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe just right starts with a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the perfect texture and flavor balance — from the crispy coating to the punchy buffalo sauce that finishes things off beautifully.

All-purpose flour (⅔ cup): This is your base for the batter, providing structure and crispness once baked.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): Helps create that irresistible crispy crust on every cauliflower floret.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth that brightens the batter.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and savoriness.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smoky flavor and a hint of color to the coating.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors, perfectly seasoning the batter.
Water (¾ cup): Turns the dry mix into a smooth batter that clings nicely to the cauliflower.
Cauliflower (1 large head, about 2 pounds): Broken into large florets — the star of the show, offering a tender interior under a crunchy crust.
Buffalo sauce: For brushing on after baking, this gives the wings their signature spicy and tangy kick.
Ranch or vegan ranch dressing (optional): Perfect for dipping, balancing heat with creamy coolness.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Cauliflower

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt until evenly combined. Slowly add water and continue whisking until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the florets without dripping excessively. Next, toss your cauliflower florets in the batter until each piece is generously coated but not drenched. This forms the crispy, flavorful shell you want when baked.

Step 2: Bake the Cauliflower for the First Time

Preheat your oven to a hot 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the batter-coated cauliflower in a single layer on the sheets, giving each floret breathing room to crisp up nicely. Bake these for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each floret and swap the pans to ensure even browning and texture.

Step 3: Add Buffalo Sauce and Finish Baking

When your cauliflower is partly cooked and starting to brown, brush each piece generously with buffalo sauce — this is where the wings get their iconic bold flavor. Return them to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until edges turn dark and crisp, making them perfectly crunchy on the outside but tender inside.

Step 4: Final Buffalo Sauce Brush and Serve

Once out of the oven, add a second brush of buffalo sauce for extra kick and vibrant color. This layering also keeps your wings saucy without making them soggy. Serve hot with your favorite ranch dressing or vegan alternative for dipping, and get ready to enjoy every spicy, crispy bite.

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a pile of bright orange cauliflower florets coated in a spicy sauce in the center. Behind the cauliflower is a small white bowl filled with thick, creamy white dipping sauce. On the right side of the plate, there are fresh green celery sticks placed vertically. The plate is set on a cloth with blue and white stripes, all against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The key to elevating your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is in the garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped celery leaves or parsley adds a pop of green and freshness, balancing the heat. For a little extra zing, adding thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika can bring a beautiful aroma and color contrast.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks and carrot batons — classic accompaniments that also cool the palate. Consider serving alongside creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy wings. For a more filling meal, crispy oven fries or garlic-roasted potatoes make fantastic sides that keep everything grounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Present your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe in a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe or go elegant with a white platter accented by small bowls of ranch and extra buffalo sauce. Skewering florets onto sticks can make them perfect finger foods at parties, and topping with a drizzle of blue cheese dressing adds a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings stay delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready, simply reheat to bring back that irresistible crispiness.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing works well. Bake and sauce the cauliflower, then let it cool completely. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing their delicious quality.

Reheating

To reheat, the best method is to place the wings on a baking sheet in a preheated 400°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This revives their crunch while warming through the spicy buffalo coating. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! Broccoli florets work nicely and provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just cut them into comparable sizes to ensure even cooking.

Is this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Yes! As long as your buffalo sauce and dipping ranch are vegan-friendly, the whole dish is suitable for a vegan diet.

How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower wings?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most traditional sauces offer a medium spice that can be adjusted with milder or hotter sauces to fit your taste.

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free for a safe and tasty variation.

What’s the best way to make the wings extra crispy?

Using cornstarch in the batter is key. Also, baking on parchment paper without overcrowding the pan lets hot air circulate, crisping up the coating beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I promise, once you make this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe, it will become a staple in your snack repertoire. The perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and tangy makes these wings impossible to resist, whether as a party appetizer or an everyday treat. So grab some cauliflower and buffalo sauce, and dive into a deliciously fiery experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.