Hey y’all! If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser snack that’s spicy, crispy, and totally plant-based, you’re in the right place. These irresistible Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are bursting with bold flavor and crunch, making them perfect for game days, parties, or simply spicing up your weekday dinners. Plus, they’re a fun way to sneak in some veggies—whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—no deep frying required!
Bold Buffalo flavor without the heaviness of traditional wings.
Completely vegetarian and easily made vegan-friendly.
Ready in less than 45 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
Great for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (or regular milk)
3/4 cup water
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (or regular butter)
Cooking spray or oil (for baking)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower, then cut it into even, bite-sized florets.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, non-dairy milk, and water until smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until each piece is well coated.
Roll each battered floret in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
Place battered and breaded florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Bake for 20 minutes, flip each floret, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss baked cauliflower wings in the sauce until well coated.
Return the wings to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness and sticky flavor.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet—bake in batches if needed.
Panko breadcrumbs give the airiest crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
Lightly spraying the wings with oil before the final bake makes them extra golden.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Swap flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
Mild Version: Use a milder hot sauce or substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ.
Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, then sauce and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Whisk
Cooking spray or brush

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect texture.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve hot with classic vegan ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking.
Pair with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Add to wraps or salads for a spicy protein boost.

Pro Tips

Cut cauliflower into uniformly sized florets for even baking and crispiness.
Double dip for extra crunch—after first coating and baking, dip in batter and breadcrumbs again before the final bake.
For best flavor, use a high-quality buffalo sauce and toss wings when hot so the sauce coats perfectly.

FAQ

Can I make these cauliflower wings ahead of time?: Yes! You can prepare and bake ahead, then reheat and toss in buffalo sauce just before serving.
Are Buffalo Cauliflower Wings spicy?: They are pleasantly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?: Fresh cauliflower yields the best texture, but you can use thawed frozen florets in a pinch—just dry them thoroughly before battering.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients