Description
These baked buffalo cauliflower wings are a flavorful and crispy appetizer or snack featuring large cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter, baked to perfection, and generously brushed with spicy buffalo sauce. They provide a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Batter 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
Main Ingredient
- 1 cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
Finishing & Serving
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
- Ranch dressing or vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Gradually add the water and whisk until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter consistency.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir well to ensure each piece is fully coated in the seasoned batter mixture.
- Arrange for baking: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, lift each battered cauliflower floret allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Place the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Bake first side: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to start crisping the batter.
- Flip and continue baking: Carefully flip each cauliflower floret using a spatula. Swap the baking sheet positions between the oven racks and bake for another 10 minutes to cook evenly on both sides.
- Apply buffalo sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and generously brush each piece with buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
- Final bake for crispness: Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower develops dark, crisp edges and a slightly caramelized look.
- Serve: Take the cauliflower wings out of the oven and brush with any remaining buffalo sauce. Serve warm with ranch or vegan ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the cauliflower pieces are dry before dipping into the batter.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce depending on your spice preference.
- To make vegan ranch, use plant-based mayonnaise and dairy-free yogurt seasoned with herbs.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness instead of microwaving.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be adapted vegan if using vegan ranch dressing.
