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Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: The Ultimate Guide to Crispy, Spicy Goodness

Crispy baked buffalo cauliflower wings, perfect as an appetizer or snack! Coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dip (optional).

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is highly recommended)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance the heat)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or vegan sour cream alternative)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (or vegan blue cheese alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and cut into bite-sized florets.
  3. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the milk: Gradually pour in the almond milk, whisking until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or flour as needed.
  5. Coat the cauliflower: Add florets to the batter and toss to coat completely.
  6. Arrange on the baking sheet: Transfer battered cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Flip the cauliflower: Carefully flip each floret.
  9. Bake for another 15-20 minutes: Until tender and golden brown.
  10. Melt the butter: While cauliflower bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat (or microwave in 30-second intervals).
  11. Add the hot sauce: Remove from heat and stir in hot sauce.
  12. Add remaining ingredients: Add vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
  13. Adjust the flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning with honey/maple syrup (for sweetness) or cayenne pepper (for heat).
  14. Transfer baked cauliflower to a bowl.
  15. Pour buffalo sauce over cauliflower.
  16. Toss to coat: Gently toss until evenly coated.
  17. Optional: Bake again for extra stickiness: Return sauced cauliflower to baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes.
  18. Prepare blue cheese dip (optional): Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  19. Serve immediately: Serve hot with blue cheese dip (if using), celery, and carrot sticks.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet for crispy wings. Bake in batches if needed.
  • Use high heat (450°F/232°C) for best results.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce to your liking.
  • Make it vegan by using plant-based alternatives.
  • Air Fryer Option: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. Toss with buffalo sauce.
  • Variations: Serve with ranch dressing, different sauces (BBQ, teriyaki, sweet chili), or add 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to the batter for extra crispiness.