The Best Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe for Game Day

Buffalo cauliflower wings redefine mundane vegetable experiences into electrifying culinary adventures.

These crispy, golden morsels challenge traditional expectations about healthy eating and flavor intensity.

Vegetable skeptics will find themselves completely captivated by the remarkable redefineation of humble cauliflower.

Packed with zesty seasoning and delivering a spectacular crunch, these wings offer a remarkable alternative to classic protein-based snacks.

The magic happens through strategic preparation techniques that elevate an ordinary ingredient into something extraordinary.

Spice lovers and health-conscious eaters alike will appreciate this innovative approach to satisfying comfort food cravings.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with a Kick

• Crunch into Healthier Comfort: These buffalo cauliflower wings deliver a guilt-free alternative to traditional chicken wings, packed with crispy texture and bold flavor while keeping calories lower.
• Spice Up Your Snack Game: The hot buffalo sauce creates a zesty kick that transforms humble cauliflower into an irresistible appetizer, perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe lets home cooks achieve restaurant-quality results without complex techniques, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Plant-Powered Protein Punch: The recipe offers a nutritious option with 5g of protein, low carbohydrates, and zero cholesterol, appealing to health-conscious food lovers seeking delicious vegetarian alternatives.

Ingredients You Need for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Main Ingredients:

Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that provides the base for these crispy wing-like bites, best when fresh and firm.

Almond Flour: Gluten-free coating that creates a crispy exterior and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Almond Milk: Helps create a smooth, light batter for coating the cauliflower.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Onion Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Classic spices that add depth and savory flavor to the cauliflower coating.

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

Hot Sauce: Provides the signature buffalo-style heat and tanginess.

Vegan Butter (or Ghee): Adds richness and helps the sauce coat the cauliflower evenly.

Fresh Herbs (Optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish for extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Prepare Cauliflower

Remove most of the stem and chop cauliflower into bite-sized florets.

Step 2: Set Up Oven

Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 3: Create Crispy Batter

• Almond flour
• Almond milk
• Onion salt
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Mix until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Coat Cauliflower

Gently toss cauliflower florets in the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is completely covered.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread battered florets in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: First Baking Round

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even golden browning.

Step 7: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

• Hot sauce
• Melted vegan butter (or ghee)

Step 8: Sauce the Cauliflower

Pour buffalo sauce over baked florets and gently toss to coat completely.

Step 9: Final Crispy Bake

Return sauced cauliflower to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy with golden-brown edges.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs on top and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Drain Thoroughly: Pat cauliflower florets completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy wings.
• Spacing Matters: Leave enough room between florets on the baking sheet to help them crisp up evenly and prevent steaming.
• Check Coating Consistency: Aim for a light, even batter that clings smoothly to each floret without creating thick, clumpy layers.
• Sauce Technique: Toss cauliflower gently in buffalo sauce to maintain their crispy texture and ensure complete, even coverage.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches maximum crispiness without burning.

Storing and Reheating Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled buffalo cauliflower wings into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent moisture and maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread leftover cauliflower wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the wings soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the cooled cauliflower wings individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

Pairing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Dips

• Pair with Cool and Creamy Dips: Balance the spicy buffalo cauliflower wings with refreshing ranch or blue cheese dressing to calm the heat and add a smooth, tangy contrast.
• Match with Crisp Beer Companions: Select a light pilsner or hoppy IPA that cuts through the rich buffalo sauce and complements the cauliflower's crispy texture.
• Create a Fresh Salad Side: Serve alongside a zesty green salad with cucumber and celery to provide a crunchy, cooling element that neutralizes the spiciness and adds nutritional balance.
• Combine with Citrus-Infused Drink: Enjoy with a fresh lemonade or citrus-based mocktail that helps cleanse the palate and provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the wings' intense flavor.

Fun Variations of Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

• Spicy Sriracha Remix: Replace buffalo sauce with sriracha and honey for a sweet-hot kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty appetizer.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Swap buffalo sauce for olive oil, oregano, and lemon zest to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with bright, fresh flavors.
• Asian Glazed Fusion: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil instead of buffalo sauce, then sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an umami-packed alternative.
• Smoky Chipotle Challenge: Mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with vegan butter for a smoky, intense flavor profile that brings deep southwestern notes to the cauliflower wings.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings deliver a plant-based twist on classic game day fare. Crispy florets glazed with tangy hot sauce promise a zesty experience that satisfies cravings without meat, offering delicious comfort for everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup superfine almond flour
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup buffalo sauce

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Finishing Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim the cauliflower, removing most of the stem and separating it into uniform bite-sized florets.
2. Heat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
3. Create a smooth, uniform batter by whisking almond flour, almond milk, onion salt, paprika, and garlic powder in a spacious mixing bowl until completely integrated.
4. Delicately coat each cauliflower floret in the prepared batter, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
5. Arrange the battered florets on the parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding to promote crispy texture.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the florets midway through cooking to achieve consistent golden-brown coloration.
7. While the cauliflower roasts, craft the buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce and melted vegan butter (or ghee) in a small mixing bowl.
8. After initial roasting, generously drizzle the buffalo sauce over the florets, gently tossing to ensure thorough and even coating.
9. Return the sauced florets to the oven, baking for an additional 10 minutes until edges become crisp and develop a rich, caramelized appearance.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

• Prep these crispy cauliflower nuggets as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
• Almond flour creates a light, crunchy coating that makes these bites irresistibly addictive.
• Perfectly spiced batter ensures each floret delivers a punch of flavor without overwhelming heat.
• Flipping midway during baking guarantees an even, golden-brown exterior that mimics deep-fried texture.
• Buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick that transforms humble cauliflower into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Optional herb garnish brings fresh brightness and a professional touch to your homemade wing experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 202 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 766 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg