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 all-purpose 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 (such as Frank's RedHot)

If you’re craving a snack that’s got just the right amount of spicy kick and crispy bite, then this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a healthier twist on the classic, perfect for game day or anytime you want that tangy buffalo flavor without all the fried guilt.

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 can’t get enough of how these buffalo cauliflower wings come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—plus, they soak up that classic buffalo sauce in just the right way. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples already, making it an easy go-to snack.
Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these wings pack flavor without weighing you down.
Adaptable for Diets: >Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are totally possible with just a few swaps.
Perfect Crispy Texture: The key is in the batter and baking method to get that satisfying crunch every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping your cauliflower, it helps to gather everything you need. I like to have my spices, buttermilk, and buffalo sauce ready so the process goes smoothly. Here's why each ingredient brings something special to the plate.

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 “wing” of the recipe—choose a fresh head with tight, white florets for the best texture and roasting results.
All-purpose flour: Creates the batter that sticks to the florets, giving a crispy coating when baked.
Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Onion powder: Provides a savory note that balances the heat.
Garlic powder: Brings that classic garlic flavor that buffalo wings are known for.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Buttermilk: Helps the batter cling to the cauliflower and adds a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Butter: When melted and mixed with buffalo sauce, it creates a rich, silky coating that’s just irresistible.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—choose your favorite brand like Frank’s RedHot for that authentic, spicy tang.

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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

One of the best parts about this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and customize it to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want to keep it classic, make it vegan, or add a seasonal twist, these wings can handle it all with delicious results.

Vegan Variation: I love swapping out the buttermilk for a plant-based version (just mix almond milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar) and replacing butter with coconut oil. The result? Equally crispy, with a lovely richness that keeps every bite satisfying and cruelty-free.
Gluten-Free Twist: For my gluten-sensitive friends, using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour keeps the wings crispy and flavorful without any gut worries. I usually pick a blend with rice flour and tapioca starch for the best texture.
Extra Smoky Buffalo: To give the wings a smoky punch, add a little smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the batter. It brings a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the classic tangy buffalo sauce.
Herby Freshness: After tossing the wings in buffalo sauce, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top. It adds a bright contrast that cuts through the heat and adds a pop of color.

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

The first thing I do is preheat my oven to 375°F—this temperature is perfect for cooking the cauliflower all the way through while letting the batter crisp up beautifully. I line two baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Spacing the cauliflower florets out on these sheets will make all the difference for getting them crispy on every side, so don’t crowd them!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Batter

In a large bowl, I combine ¾ cup of flour, a teaspoon each of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt for a fantastic flavor base. Then, I stir in ¾ cup of buttermilk, letting the mixture thicken into a thick batter that will cling perfectly to the cauliflower. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries—just make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets Thoroughly

Next, I toss the cauliflower florets into the bowl with the batter, making sure each piece is completely coated. This is key to getting that crispy, flavorful crust after baking. Then, I arrange the coated florets evenly on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them so air can circulate and crisp up every surface.

Step 4: Bake Twice for Perfect Crispiness

Bake the florets for 20 minutes on one side, then carefully flip each cauliflower piece over to the other side. This flipping step helps both sides get golden and crispy. Bake for another 20 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges turning that irresistible golden brown. The whole baking process takes about 40 minutes, but the crisp, tender results are so worth it!

Step 5: Whisk the Iconic Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, I prepare the buffalo sauce by whisking together 2 tablespoons of melted butter and ⅓ cup of buffalo sauce in a small bowl. This classic combo brings the rich, tangy heat that makes these wings addictive. For a vegan version, coconut oil or vegan butter works amazingly well here.

Step 6: Toss, Serve, and Savor!

Once the cauliflower wings come straight out of the oven, I transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Tossing the hot florets gently but thoroughly coats each wing in that spicy, buttery goodness. Serve immediately for the best crispy, saucy bite—you’re in for a delicious, healthy snack or appetizer perfect for game day or any craving!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful Buffalo Cauliflower Wings every single time. A little attention to detail goes a long way!

Even Spacing: When placing the battered cauliflower florets on the baking sheet, make sure there’s plenty of space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly, giving you that perfect crispy texture without sogginess.
Flip with Care: Baking the wings for 20 minutes on one side and then flipping them ensures an even golden crispness. I learned this after my first batch was crispy on one side but soft on the other!
Customize the Heat: The buffalo sauce mix of melted butter and hot sauce is the classic combo, but feel free to adjust the ratio for more or less spice. Toss the wings gently so every bite is coated without losing their crispiness.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper is a simple step that prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze – plus, it helps keep the wings intact and beautiful.

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

To elevate your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped celery leaves or parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note. A few dashes of blue cheese crumbles or vegan ranch dressing on the side make excellent dips that balance the heat wonderfully. Don’t forget some crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks for that classic wing combo feel!

Side Dishes

Buffalo cauliflower wings are incredible on their own but pair beautifully with cooling coleslaw or a crisp green salad. For more substantial sides, consider oven-roasted potato wedges or a sweet corn salad to add texture and flavor variety to your appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or easy game day appetizer later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked wings before coating them in buffalo sauce. After baking and cooling, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months! When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F until crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these buffalo cauliflower wings vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the buttermilk with a plant-based alternative and swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil. This way, you’ll keep all the flavor and crispiness without any dairy.

How do I make gluten-free buffalo cauliflower wings?

To make this recipe gluten-free, just use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This keeps the batter thick and helps the coating crisp up beautifully.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

No worries! You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk (dairy or plant-based). Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using it in the batter.

Can I prepare these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the cauliflower, batter, and even bake them ahead of time. Just toss with buffalo sauce right before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into crispy, tangy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that bring all the flavor of traditional wings with a fresh, veggie-forward twist. Whether you’re hosting game day, looking for a healthy snack, or just craving a little spice, this recipe delivers without fuss. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this dish a go-to in your kitchen—enjoy every spicy, crispy bite!