Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head 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 (or plant-based buttermilk); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (or vegan butter or coconut oil); 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)

Ready to spice up your snack game? This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is my go-to for satisfying that buffalo wing craving without the guilt. Crispy, tangy, and absolutely addictive—with less mess and fewer calories!

The image shows a wire rack full of pieces of cauliflower coated with a bright orange sauce, giving them a glossy, slightly charred look in spots. The pieces vary in size, scattered evenly across the rack with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled around for color contrast. On the left side, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a white creamy dip placed on a white marbled surface. The overall scene is bright and clean, highlighting the vibrant orange and green colors against the white background. 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

Whenever I whip up these buffalo cauliflower wings, they disappear fast—everyone loves them! They hit that perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and comforting without relying on meat.

Healthier alternative: Enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo wings with way fewer calories and fat.
Simple ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry to make these right now.
Easy prep and cleanup: Baking, not frying, means less hassle and less mess.
Perfect for game day: These crowd-pleasers make a tasty vegetarian appetizer everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is surprisingly simple but packs a flavor punch. When shopping, look for a fresh, firm cauliflower head and a good-quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot for that classic tangy kick.

Flat lay of a fresh whole head of cauliflower cut into florets arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of plain white flour, a small white bowl containing bright red ground paprika powder, another small white bowl with light brown onion powder, a small white bowl of finely ground white garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with creamy pale buttermilk, a small white bowl holding golden melted butter, and a small white bowl of vibrant orange-red buffalo sauce, 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: Choose fresh, crisp florets to ensure they bake up tender yet hold their shape.
All-purpose flour: Acts as the base for the batter, giving the coating structure and helping it crisp up nicely.
Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the batter.
Onion powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Garlic powder: A classic flavor that complements buffalo sauce perfectly.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the batter and the finished wings.
Buttermilk (or plant-based): Provides tang and moisture, helping the batter cling to each floret.
Butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil): Melting this with buffalo sauce creates the rich, spicy coating that makes these wings irresistible.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—pick your favorite brand for that authentic, zesty buffalo flavor.

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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

The beauty of this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easy it is to customize it for your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add extra heat, keep it vegan, or give it a seasonal twist, there’s always a way to make these wings truly your own.

Spicy Twist: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce right into the batter for that extra kick before baking. It amps up the heat perfectly without overpowering the tangy buffalo sauce.
Vegan Version: Using plant-based buttermilk and swapping butter for coconut oil works wonderfully. The texture stays crispy and the flavor is just as delicious—makes it a great option for my vegan friends.
Gluten-Free Option: When I swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, I was amazed at how well the coating still turned out nice and crispy. Just be sure to check your Buffalo sauce ingredients for gluten too!
Seasonal Flavors: For a fall-inspired batch, I stirred in a little smoked paprika and cinnamon to the batter. It gave the wings a warm, smoky depth that paired beautifully with the classic buffalo sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

The image shows many small orange-colored cauliflower pieces with a slightly charred texture, placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled background. The cauliflower pieces are coated in a bright, glossy sauce and scattered with a few green herb leaves. A woman's hand is dipping one piece into a small silver cup filled with a thick white sauce, visible near the center of the image. The lighting highlights the shiny sauce and the crisp texture of the cauliflower. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Having two sheets ready lets you spread out the cauliflower wings so they crisp up perfectly without steaming.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Then pour in ¾ cup buttermilk (or plant-based alternative). Stir everything together until you get a thick, smooth batter. It should be thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but still easy to coat.

Step 3: Coat Your Cauliflower Florets

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss them until each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite will have that satisfying crispy exterior once baked. Be careful not to overcrowd the bowl—do this in batches if needed to get thorough coverage.

Step 4: Arrange the Coated Cauliflower on the Baking Sheets

Spread the coated florets out on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them out with some room between each piece. This is key for airflow, so the wings bake evenly and become nice and crispy instead of soggy.

Step 5: Bake Twice for Perfect Crispiness

Bake the cauliflower wings on the middle oven rack at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip each floret over using tongs or a spatula, and bake for an additional 20 minutes. When done, they should be golden brown and crispy — the classic wing texture you’re aiming for without frying.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or coconut oil/vegan butter). Combine it with ⅓ cup of your favorite Buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) in a bowl and whisk until smooth and perfectly blended. This sauce will bring that signature tang and heat to your wings.

Step 7: Toss Your Hot Cauliflower into the Sauce and Serve

Once the cauliflower is finished baking and still hot, transfer the florets into the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Gently toss them so every wing is coated in that spicy, buttery sauce. Serve immediately—these wings are best enjoyed when warm and crispy. Grab your favorite dipping sauce and dig in!

Top Tip

Making perfect buffalo cauliflower wings is all about nailing the texture and flavor balance. A few handy tips from my kitchen adventures will help you get those wings crispy, tangy, and irresistible every time.

Don’t skimp on spacing: Leaving plenty of room between each cauliflower floret on the baking sheet lets air circulate and keeps them nice and crispy—not soggy!
Flip halfway through baking: Turning the florets after 20 minutes is key to even browning and a uniformly crunchy coating.
Use a thick batter: The batter should cling well to the cauliflower, so resist the urge to thin it out. This ensures a sturdy coating that holds up to the buffalo sauce.
Make your own buttermilk: If you’re out of buttermilk, adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to your milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes works wonders as a substitute!

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A woman's hand is holding metal tongs gripping a piece of cauliflower being dipped into a thick, light brown batter inside a white bowl with a blue rim. The batter has a smooth texture with specks of seasoning. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are several raw white cauliflower florets. Above the bowl is a metal tray lined with brown parchment paper, on which several cauliflower pieces are already coated with the same light brown batter. A clear glass measuring cup is partially visible to the left. The scene is bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your buffalo cauliflower wings, try garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh celery leaves or parsley for a refreshing touch. A few crisp celery sticks or carrot batons on the side provide both color and a nice crunch. For extra zest, drizzle some cool ranch or blue cheese dressing on top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Side Dishes

This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe pairs beautifully with classic game day sides like crunchy carrot and celery sticks, a creamy coleslaw, or cooling cucumber salad. For heartier options, consider serving with baked sweet potato fries or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the spicy heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your buffalo cauliflower wings, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or reheated side treats during the week.

Freezing

If you'd like to freeze your buffalo cauliflower wings, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month without losing their delicious flavor and texture.

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, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based version and replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. This way, you keep all the flavor while staying plant-based.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising crispiness.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe uses a classic buffalo sauce like Frank's RedHot, which has a moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using a milder sauce or adding more butter to tone down the heat.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

For best texture, it's ideal to coat and bake the cauliflower soon after mixing the batter. However, you can prepare the batter and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a few hours before using.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is one of my favorite go-to appetizers that’s both delicious and a bit healthier than traditional wings. Whether you're serving it at a casual game day get-together or simply craving a flavorful snack, it hits all the right notes with its crispy coating and zesty buffalo sauce. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!