Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty twist on the classic chicken wings! These crispy little florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
They’re perfect for game day or as a fun snack. I love serving them with a cool ranch dip. Trust me, even your veggie-skeptic friends will be reaching for these! 🌶️🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the show! Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower. If you’re really not a fan, Brussels sprouts can be used instead for a similar crisp, or you could even try broccoli!
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but if you need it gluten-free, substitute with almond flour or coconut flour. Both will give a nice coating, but be mindful they may change the texture a bit.
Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought buffalo sauce is quick and easy, but you can make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter and a little vinegar. For a milder version, use a milder hot sauce or mix it with some tomato sauce.
Butter: I like using melted butter for richness, but you can easily swap it out for olive oil or a vegan butter option if you prefer a dairy-free approach.
How Do You Get Crispy Cauliflower Wings?
The trick to crispy buffalo cauliflower wings is in the batter and baking process. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch!
- Make sure your batter is thick enough to cling to the cauliflower. It should be a bit like pancake batter.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; keep the florets in a single layer to ensure crisping.
- Flip halfway through baking to help them brown evenly. Baking at a high temperature (450°F) also helps them crisp up!
- After tossing in buffalo sauce, bake them again to let the sauce caramelize, which adds extra crispness.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings every time! Enjoy! 🌶️🥦
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-40 minutes, including prep time and baking. It’s quick and rewarding, perfect for a snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Aim for a batter that’s a bit thick; you want it to coat the cauliflower nicely.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting any excess drip off, then place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures they’ll bake up crispy!
4. Bake the Cauliflower:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes. Remember to flip the florets halfway through to help them get evenly crispy.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a large bowl. This will give the wings a delicious flavor and help the sauce stick.
6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is baked and slightly crispy, transfer them to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Toss well to make sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
7. Final Bake:
Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This will make them crispy and slightly caramelized.
8. Garnish:
When they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up your crispy, spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and serve hot with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Happy snacking! 🥦🌶️
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before coating it in the batter. This will help ensure your wings are crispy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help restore the crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute buffalo sauce with a mix of hot sauce and some ketchup or even BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. Just adjust the amount according to your heating preference!
Can I Make These Wings in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and after coating the cauliflower florets in the batter, cook them for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to achieve desired crispiness!