Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 3/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (e.g., Frank's)

If you’re craving a bold and spicy snack that’s also a bit lighter on the guilt, you’re going to love this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. These crispy, saucy bites are perfect whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a tasty treat to share with friends.

Several pieces of crispy cauliflower coated in a bright orange sauce are spread evenly across a black metal cooling rack. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred texture with darker spots, giving them a roasted look. Green parsley leaves are scattered among the cauliflower as garnish, adding a fresh touch with their vibrant green color. A small clear glass bowl filled with smooth white dipping sauce sits on the rack to the left side. The whole arrangement is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making these Buffalo Cauliflower Wings for years, and they never disappoint. They’re spicy, tangy, and crispy all at once—and healthier than your usual fried wings!

Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples like flour, spices, and buttermilk for easy preparation.
Oven-Baked Crunch: No deep-frying needed, just a crispy bake at 375°F for 40 minutes total.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are a great appetizer for game day, gatherings, or anytime you want a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetarian Friendly: A great meat-free alternative that still packs plenty of flavor and texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on a few key ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and tangy. When you shop, look for a fresh, firm cauliflower and a good-quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s for authentic flavor.

Flat lay of a fresh head of cauliflower broken into florets, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing bright red buffalo sauce, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a whole clean white egg, a small white bowl with creamy buttermilk, and small piles of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cauliflower: The star of the show, delivering a great texture and mild flavor that soaks up the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Flour: Helps create the coating that crisps up during baking.
Ground Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the batter.
Onion Powder: Provides a sweet, savory undertone.
Garlic Powder: For that classic savory flavor we all love in buffalo wings.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all those flavors.
Buttermilk: Keeps the batter thick and helps the coating stick to the cauliflower. (Don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand—I’ll share a simple substitute below!)
Butter: Melted and mixed into the buffalo sauce for richness.
Buffalo Sauce: The final kick of heat and tang that transforms these bites into buffalo wings.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to tweak the heat level or adapt it for special diets, there’s plenty of room for personalization without losing that bold buffalo flavor and satisfying crunch.

Spice it up: If you love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter before coating the cauliflower. I like to add a little more garlic powder, too—it amps up the savory depth without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
Make it vegan: I’ve swapped the buttermilk for plant-based buttermilk and replaced butter with melted coconut oil. It works beautifully and keeps the wings just as crispy and tasty, perfect for vegan guests.
Gluten-free swap: When I made these gluten-free, I simply used my favorite gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. The wings stayed crispy and delicious, no one guessed they were GF!
Cheesy twist: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese over the wings after tossing them in buffalo sauce. It adds a subtle cheesy tang that’s addictive.
Herb infusion: Adding fresh chopped parsley or chives on top before serving gives these wings a fresh, colorful pop and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the heat wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

The image shows many small, bright orange cauliflower pieces that look crispy and coated in sauce. They are placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled surface with small green herb leaves scattered around. A woman's hand is dipping one cauliflower piece into a small silver cup filled with white creamy sauce. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred look in some spots, making them appear cooked and flavorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space

First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is just right to get that batter crispy without drying out the cauliflower. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you start mixing; it makes the process smooth and fun!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup flour, 1 teaspoon each of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Pour in ¾ cup buttermilk (or your homemade version) and stir everything together until you get a thick, luscious batter. It will look a bit like pancake batter but thicker—this coating is key for that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets

Add the cauliflower florets to your batter and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well-coated. The batter should cling nicely to each floret, giving you that delicious crust after baking. Don’t rush this step—you want an even coat so every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake the Wings

Place the coated cauliflower pieces onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them out well to allow hot air to circulate around each one. This spacing is crucial for crispiness; crowded florets steam instead of bake. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes on one side.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Baking

After the first 20 minutes, carefully flip each cauliflower wing over using tongs or a spatula. This step ensures they cook evenly and brown beautifully on both sides. Return the trays to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Whisk up the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower wings are baking, stir together ⅓ cup buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. This simple combo brings that iconic buffalo wing flavor and richness, perfectly balancing heat and tang.

Step 7: Toss Wings in Buffalo Sauce and Serve

Once the cauliflower wings are out of the oven and still hot, transfer them gently into the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss carefully so every floret is evenly coated with that zesty sauce. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re fantastic on their own or with classic dips like blue cheese or ranch for extra indulgence.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings every time—making your game day snack truly unstoppable!

Perfect Batter Consistency: From experience, a thick batter that clings well to the cauliflower is key. If it’s too thin, the coating won’t stick and you’ll lose that satisfying crunch.
Flip for Even Crispiness: Flipping the cauliflower halfway through baking ensures both sides get that beautiful golden color and crispy texture. Skipping this step can leave one side soggy.
Space for Crispness: Giving each cauliflower floret enough room on the baking sheet is crucial to avoid steaming. I always space them out to let the hot air circulate freely for maximum crisping.
Don’t Skip the Butter in Sauce: Adding melted butter to the buffalo sauce balances heat and adds richness, taking these wings from good to crave-worthy. I’ve avoided dryness this way every time!

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A white bowl with a thin dark rim is filled with a light orange batter speckled with darker spices, and a piece of light cream cauliflower is being dipped into the batter using metal tongs held by a woman's hand. Around the bowl, there are several cauliflower florets in light cream color scattered on a white marbled surface. In the upper background, a baking tray with brown parchment paper holds cauliflower pieces coated in the same orange batter, showing a mix of smooth and bumpy textures. A clear glass measuring cup with water sits near the bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add brightness and contrast to these wings. Try tossing them with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Crispy green onions or sliced scallions also add a wonderful mild sharpness. And don’t forget classic celery sticks alongside for that traditional buffalo wing feel!

Side Dishes

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings pair perfectly with cooling sides like creamy ranch or blue cheese dip. For a more substantial snack or light meal, serve with crunchy carrot sticks, crispy sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. These combos balance the spicy kick and keep things fresh and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and remain delicious for quick snacks or next-day game time.

Freezing

You can freeze the wings if you want to save them longer. After baking and coating with sauce, spread them out on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings can be stored up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in the oven. Preheat to 375°F, place wings on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes or until hot and crisped again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunch intact!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the buttermilk for a plant-based alternative and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter. This keeps the wings delicious and fully vegan-friendly.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of regular milk (dairy or plant-based). Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using.

How do I keep the wings crispy?

Spacing out the florets on the baking sheet is essential to prevent steaming, and flipping them halfway through baking helps both sides get crispy. Also, reheating in the oven, not the microwave, maintains that crunch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend to keep the wings safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about biting into these crispy, spicy baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings. They bring all the bold flavor and heat you crave from traditional wings but with a fresh and healthy twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy night snack, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is sure to be your new go-to. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder why it took so long to switch to cauliflower!