Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe: Spicy Veggie Magic

Crispy cauliflower buffalo wings bring zesty plant-based excitement to your snack repertoire with unexpected flavor and crunch.

cauliflower transforms into a seriously addictive appetizer that rivals traditional chicken wings.

spicy sauce coats each golden-edged floret, creating an irresistible texture that makes vegetables feel like a naughty indulgence.

Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such an epic dish.

Pantry staples work magic in crafting these crunchy, tangy morsels that pack serious heat.

Nutritious and delectable, these wings prove vegetables can steal the show at any gathering.

You won’t be able to stop munching on this crowd-pleasing creation.

Ingredients For Spicy Veggie Buffalo Wings

• Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable perfect for creating crispy buffalo wings alternative.

• All-Purpose Flour, Milk: Base for creating a crispy coating for cauliflower.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add flavor to the batter.

• Buffalo Sauce, Butter: Classic spicy sauce for coating the crispy cauliflower wings.

How To Cook Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Right

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Preheat the oven to 450°F or get your air fryer ready.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper if using the oven.

Ensure your cooking space is clean and organized for a smooth cooking experience.

Step 2: Transform the Cauliflower

Break down the cauliflower into bite-sized florets using a sharp knife.

Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Aim for chunks that will be easy to pick up and eat like traditional wings.

Step 3: Create the Magical Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter with no lumps.

Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower

Dunk each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring every nook and cranny gets covered.

Let excess batter drip off before placing the pieces on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

For oven method: Bake the battered florets for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.

For air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket midway to promote even crispiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

• Buffalo sauce
• Melted butter

Stir the sauce until well blended, creating a tangy and rich coating for the cauliflower.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Transfer the crispy cauliflower into the buffalo sauce.

Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly, ensuring maximum flavor coverage.

Step 8: Final Crisp and Heat

Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes.

This step helps the sauce set and creates an extra layer of crispiness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the buffalo cauliflower wings from the oven or air fryer.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.

Tips For Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

• Dip florets twice in batter for extra crispiness, ensuring a thick, even layer that creates a crunchy exterior.
• Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation, helping the cauliflower stay crisp and avoiding moisture buildup.
• Swap milk with almond or oat milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly without compromising the creamy batter texture.
• Let cauliflower sit at room temperature before battering to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots in the florets.
• Experiment with different hot sauces like sriracha or gochujang for unique flavor profiles beyond traditional buffalo sauce.

How To Store And Reheat Veggie Buffalo Wings

• Transfer cooled buffalo cauliflower wings to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap completely cooled wings in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Spread wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cook at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Flavor Pairings For Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Pair Perfectly with Cooling Blue Cheese Dip: Creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing balances the spicy buffalo sauce, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heat.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Light, hoppy beer cuts through the richness of the cauliflower wings, cleansing the palate with each sip.
• Serve Alongside Crunchy Celery Sticks: Fresh, crisp celery provides a cool, hydrating texture that enhances the spicy buffalo flavor and adds nutritional value.
• Match with Zesty Cucumber Salad: Light, herbal cucumber salad with dill and lemon creates a refreshing side that neutralizes the wing's intense spiciness.

Spicy Veggie Wing Styles To Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or chickpea flour to create a crispy coating that's suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Buffalo Wings: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternative to transform the recipe into a completely vegan-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Mild Spice Alternative: Mix buffalo sauce with honey or maple syrup to create a gentler, kid-friendly version that reduces heat while keeping the tangy flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I get the cauliflower extra crispy?

The key is to remove excess moisture from the florets before battering. Pat the cauliflower completely dry with paper towels and ensure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket. This prevents steaming and helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend like rice flour or a commercial gluten-free flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you can still enjoy these spicy wings without worry.

• What if my buffalo sauce is too spicy?

You can easily adjust the heat level by mixing the buffalo sauce with some honey or additional melted butter to mellow out the spiciness. Start with a small amount of additional ingredients and taste as you go to find your perfect heat level.

• Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, replace dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter in the buffalo sauce. The recipe can be easily adapted to suit a vegan diet while maintaining its delicious flavor.

What Makes Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Stand Out

• Delivers the satisfying crunch and spicy kick of traditional buffalo wings without any meat, perfect for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
• Requires minimal kitchen skills with straightforward ingredients and easy preparation steps, making it accessible for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
• Transforms a humble vegetable into an irresistible appetizer or snack that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to disappear quickly at parties and gatherings.
• Offers flexible cooking methods like oven or air fryer, plus the option to adjust spice levels and sauce intensity to match personal taste preferences.

Crispy Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy cauliflower buffalo wings bring zesty plant-based excitement to classic game day snacks. Spicy, crunchy, and irresistibly golden, this dish delivers bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a hot oven at 450°F or ready the air fryer for a crispy vegetable adventure.
2. Transform the cauliflower into uniform bite-sized pieces that will capture maximum flavor and crunch.
3. Craft a robust batter by blending flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a smooth, consistent mixture.
4. Thoroughly coat each cauliflower floret by dunking them completely into the seasoned batter, ensuring total coverage.
5. For oven method, arrange battered florets on a parchment-lined tray, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even golden-brown coloration.
7. For air fryer technique, distribute florets in a single layer within the basket, avoiding overlap.
8. Cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket around the halfway point to promote uniform crispiness.
9. Simultaneously, whisk together buffalo sauce and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl.
10. Once cauliflower reaches a perfect golden hue, immediately transfer and toss in the spicy sauce mixture.
11. Return sauced florets to cooking device for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize and intensify flavors.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by mixing mild and hot buffalo sauce for a personalized heat experience.
• Swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a completely plant-based version.
• Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in the batter for extra cheesy flavor and protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg