Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on the classic chicken wings! These crispy, spicy bites are made from fresh cauliflower dipped in a flavorful buffalo sauce that packs a punch.
Perfect for snack time or game day, they’re a fun way to enjoy veggies! I love serving them with some cool ranch dip; it balances out the spice and makes them even yummier! 🌶️🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! A large head of fresh cauliflower gives the best texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower, just ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you’re going gluten-free, chickpea flour is a fantastic option. It adds a nice flavor and crispy texture! You can also try almond flour for a nutty twist.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other brands or even homemade buffalo sauce for unique flavors. If you prefer milder heat, you can mix it with ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Butter: For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, or simply skip it altogether. You can also use olive or coconut oil mixed with the hot sauce for a different taste.
How Do I Make My Cauliflower Wings Super Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture relies on a few key steps. First, make sure to coat the cauliflower well in the batter without clumps. A good even layer is key. Also, the high oven temperature helps the batter become crispy.
- Pre-bake the coated florets for 20 minutes before tossing in sauce to set the batter.
- When you toss the baked florets in the buffalo sauce, do it gently; you want to keep the crispy coating intact.
- Bake the sauced florets again until they are crispy and slightly charred. Be sure to flip them halfway to get all sides nice and crunchy!
Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with a perfect crunch! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter, melted
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 45 minutes of cooking time, making the total time about 55 minutes. It’s a fun and easy process to create these spicy and crispy cauliflower wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature is key to making the wings crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. This will help the cauliflower wings get a nice coating.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s completely covered. Shake off any excess batter to avoid sogginess. Place the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, which will help the batter set and start to crisp up. Your kitchen should smell amazing already!
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo hot sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This mixture is what gives your wings that spicy kick!
6. Coat with Buffalo Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is baked, take it out of the oven and toss it gently in the buffalo sauce until each piece is well coated.
7. Bake Again for Extra Crispiness:
Return the coated cauliflower wings back to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will make them crispy and slightly charred around the edges.
8. Finish and Garnish:
Once done, take them out of the oven and transfer the wings to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and spicy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to prevent excess moisture. This will help maintain the crispiness of the wings.
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness of the Buffalo Sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with some ranch or barbecue sauce to tone down the heat. You can also use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Cauliflower Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than microwaving.
Can I Make These Cauliflower Wings Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe can be vegan-friendly by using chickpea flour instead of regular flour and substituting regular butter with vegan butter. Enjoy these delicious wings without any dairy!
