Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Add Preferred SourceIf you’re looking to spice up your snack game with a plant-based twist, Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the perfect choice. These wings pack all the bold flavors you love, combining a crispy texture with a tangy buffalo sauce that will become a favorite. You don’t have to miss out on the classic taste of buffalo wings; this easy recipe has got you covered!
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There’s nothing I like more than gathering my friends and family around for a game day or a holiday and feeding them delicious, easy, vegan food. Not all of them are vegan, so I have to up my game, and these buffalo cauliflower wings hit the spot each and every time. They are so simple to make (you probably already have the ingredients) in just 40 minutes, are a crowd-pleaser, and are even kid-friendly – what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350°F).
Make the Buffalo Sauce
Combine all the buffalo sauce ingredients, cayenne pepper hot sauce, melted margarine, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a small pot. Heat it up and let it cook for a couple of minutes until everything is well blended.
Tip: You can tweak the amount of cayenne pepper hot sauce to suit your taste—make it as spicy or mild as you like.
Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and non-dairy milk until you get a smooth batter. This mixture will give your cauliflower that crispy coating you crave.
Coat the Cauliflower
Take your cauliflower florets and dip them into the batter, making sure each piece is fully covered. Place the coated florets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. For extra crunch, roll the battered florets in breadcrumbs before baking.
First Bake
Pop the tray into the oven and bake the cauliflower for 15 minutes. This initial bake helps set the coating.
Add Buffalo Sauce
Once the initial bake is done, take the tray out and coat each floret generously with your buffalo sauce. Don’t hold back—make sure they’re well covered for that intense flavor.
Second Bake
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. This step will get the wings crispy and golden brown, with all that delicious sauce baked right in.
Serve Up
Before serving, drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup over the top for a touch of sweetness that balances the spice. Serve them hot with your favorite vegan dipping sauce.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve been making these buffalo cauliflower wings for years and I’ve perfected the recipe so you don’t have any disasters at home, here are some of my top tips.
- Cauliflower Size: Cut your cauliflower into evenly sized florets so they cook perfectly and get that irresistible crispiness.
- Batter Consistency: Your batter should be just right—not too thick and not too thin. Aim for a consistency that coats the cauliflower well without clumping. Adjust with a bit more flour or milk if needed.
- Buffalo Sauce: Make sure your buffalo sauce is well-mixed and warmed up. This helps it stick to the cauliflower better and enhances the flavor.
- Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy bite, try rolling the battered cauliflower in breadcrumbs before baking. It adds an amazing texture.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Tailor the heat to your liking. Add more cayenne pepper hot sauce for a spicier kick or dial it back if you prefer a milder taste.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works, but unsweetened versions are best to keep the flavor on point.
- Double Dipping: Want even more flavor? After the first bake, dip the cauliflower in the batter again before baking. Then, coat with the sauce for double the goodness.
How to Store Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If you have any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat and retain their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven at 180ºC (350°F) for about 10 minutes. This way, they’ll stay crunchy and delicious, ready for you to enjoy again.
What to Serve With Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the star of the show, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Try serving them with a classic vegan ranch or blue cheese dip to cool down the spice. Crispy sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that balances the heat perfectly.
For something comforting, whip up a creamy vegan mac and cheese, or keep it fresh with crunchy celery and carrot sticks.
Looking to add more variety? A light quinoa salad or a tangy vegan coleslaw makes a healthy and tasty addition. Garlic bread is always a hit, perfect for soaking up any extra buffalo sauce. Grilled corn on the cob brings a sweet, smoky flavor, while a vegan Caesar salad offers a crisp and flavorful contrast.
More Easy Vegan Snacks for You to Try at Home
- Vegan Egg Rolls
- Vegan Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Avocado Fries
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Caramelized Onion Hummus
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup cayenne pepper hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons margarine melted
- 2 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the cauliflower wings:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup non dairy milk
- 1 head cauliflower cut in florets
- 1 tablespoon maple
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350°F).
- Mix all the buffalo sauce ingredients in a small pot and heat – cook for a couple of minutes, until it comes together.½ cup cayenne pepper hot sauce, 4 tablespoons margarine, 2 ½ tablespoons maple syrup, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and milk.¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¾ cup non dairy milk
- Dip the florets in the mixture and transfer to the baking tray.1 head cauliflower
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and top with the buffalo sauce. Bake for 15 more minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Drizzle extra maple syrup on top and serve.1 tablespoon maple
Notes
- Cauliflower Size: Cut your cauliflower into evenly sized florets so they cook perfectly and get that irresistible crispiness.
- Batter Consistency: Your batter should be just right—not too thick and not too thin. Aim for a consistency that coats the cauliflower well without clumping. Adjust with a bit more flour or milk if needed.
- Buffalo Sauce: Make sure your buffalo sauce is well-mixed and warmed up. This helps it stick to the cauliflower better and enhances the flavor.
- Extra Crunch: For an extra crunchy bite, try rolling the battered cauliflower in breadcrumbs before baking. It adds an amazing texture.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Tailor the heat to your liking. Add more cayenne pepper hot sauce for a spicier kick or dial it back if you prefer a milder taste.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works, but unsweetened versions are best to keep the flavor on point.
- Double Dipping: Want even more flavor? After the first bake, dip the cauliflower in the batter again before baking. Then, coat with the sauce for double the goodness.
