This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Easy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a spicy, absolutely delicious twist on classic chicken wings. They make the perfect lighter, vegetarian snack or side dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and full of flavor!
Pin this now to save it for later
Pin It NowBaked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Spicy and SO good!
There are two things I’ve never been crazy about:
- Chicken with bones
- Buffalo sauce
The first one still holds true (with rare exceptions), but the second? That changed with this recipe for Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.
Whether you’re team bone-in or boneless, you’ve gotta try this recipe — it’s the perfect combination of spicy, crispy and satisfying. And despite the fact that I’ve never been a huge fan of buffalo sauce, something about the way it clings to the roasted cauliflower has completely won me over.
The cauliflower bakes up tender on the inside and golden and slightly crispy on the outside, making it a deliciously addictive alternative to traditional wings.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Crispy texture – no deep frying infolved
- Buffalo flavor – so much goodness with the perfect balance of heat and tang!
- Easy – simple ingredients!
- Vegetarian – if you need a vegetarian option for game day, parties, or any occasion, or you’re simply trying to incorporate more veggies in your diet, this is a great option!
https://www.centercutcook.com/top-10-game-day-recipes/If you’re looking for a delicious, more traditional chicken wings recipe, try my Baked Buffalo Wings recipe and don’t forget to check out my complication of The Top 10 Game Day Recipes!
Let’s head to the kitchen and make these perfectly spicy, easy baked buffalo cauliflower “wings.”
❤️ Ashley
1. make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, water, flour, and seasonings.
2. coat the cauliflower
Make sure to shake off any excess batter. I like to use a slotted spoon to scoop out the cauliflower from the batter. Use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet if you’d like extra crispy cauliflower.
3. bake
The bake time is divided into two parts. Initially you’ll bake the cauliflower for about 20 minutes, making sure to flip the cauliflower halfway through. While the cauliflower bakes, you’ll make the buffalo sauce which is simply your favorite brand (I’m lookin’ at you, Frank’s) and butter.
4. toss & bake again
After 20 minutes of baking, you’ll toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce, then return to the oven for until 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is caramelized and slightly crispy.
5. serving suggestions
I like to serve baked cauliflower wings with the best homemade ranch dip or blue cheese dressing! For a beautiful presentation, grill up some zucchini and serve with other fresh veggies – radishes, peppers, carrots, celery sticks, etc.
Batter consistency
Batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower evenly without excessive dripping. If your batter is too thick, add a little more milk or water. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
Tips for the best baked cauliflower wings
- For extra crispy baked buffalo cauliflower wings, I recommend placing a wire rack on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the cauliflower which provides extra crispiness.
- Additionally, make sure to use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower from the batter so that there isn’t excess batter.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
These baked buffalo cauliflower wing are the perfect blend of spicy, crispy and satisfying. Not only are they easy to make, they are a delicious veggie alternative to traditional wings.
As always, I love to hear from you. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to take a photo and tag me on social media. Enjoy!
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450F and line a large baking tray with a silicon mat or baking parchment.
- Prep the cauliflower: cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Make the batter: Add ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup water, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Mix it all together and add the cauliflower florets.
- Coat the cauliflower: add the florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly, then use a slotted spoon to lift the florets out of the mixture. Place the florets on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little room between each (don't just tip the bowl out, or you'll end up with a pool of excess batter all over your tray).
- Bake: place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes, turning once after 10 minutes.
- Make the buffalo sauce: Melt the butter in a pan or the microwave and stir in the hot sauce.
- Toss: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush the hot sauce mixture all over the cauliflower. Turn the cauliflower over to get it completely covered in the sauce.
- Bake Again: Place back in the oven for 10-15 minutes until dark golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve with your favorite dip.
