If you're on the hunt for a flavorful, healthier game-day snack, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. These baked bites pack a spicy punch without the guilt, and trust me, even wing lovers will be hooked!

Several pieces of crispy cauliflower coated in a bright orange sauce are spread evenly across a black metal cooling rack. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred texture with darker spots, giving them a roasted look. Green parsley leaves are scattered among the cauliflower as garnish, adding a fresh touch with their vibrant green color. A small clear glass bowl filled with smooth white dipping sauce sits on the rack to the left side. The whole arrangement is set on a white marbled surface. 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

I still remember the first time I whipped up these buffalo cauliflower wings on a whim – they were gone before the game's first quarter! Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe:

Simple Ingredients: You only need under 10 everyday pantry staples to get these wings ready.
Healthier Than Traditional Wings: Baked, not fried, with cauliflower stealing the show for a nutritious twist.
Perfectly Crispy: Baking at 375°F and flipping halfway ensures every bite has that coveted crunch.
Spicy, Tangy Buffalo Flavor: Classic Buffalo sauce elevated with melted butter for that irresistible bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this buffalo cauliflower wings recipe, look for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower and quality Buffalo sauce (Frank's is my go-to). The combination of spices adds depth without overpowering the natural veggie flavor.

Flat lay of a fresh head of cauliflower broken into florets, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing bright red buffalo sauce, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a whole clean white egg, a small white bowl with creamy buttermilk, and small piles of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate, 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: The star of this dish—choose a firm head with tightly packed florets for the best texture after baking.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a thick, crispy batter that clings perfectly to each floret.
Ground paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth that complements the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
Onion powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that classic Buffalo wing flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in the batter.
Buttermilk: Gives the batter moisture and helps tenderize the cauliflower; homemade works great if you’re out.
Butter: Melted and mixed into the Buffalo sauce to smooth out the heat and add richness.
Buffalo sauce: The bold, spicy coating—Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice that never disappoints.

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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

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to put your own spin on it! Whether you're customizing for dietary needs or packing in extra flavor, these wings welcome your creativity.

Vegan Variation: I love swapping regular buttermilk for plant-based buttermilk and using coconut oil instead of butter. It keeps the wings just as rich and tangy, perfect for my vegan friends.
Gluten-Free Twist: Switching to gluten-free flour works beautifully and makes these accessible to everyone without sacrificing that crispy texture.
Spice it Up: For those who crave extra heat, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or mixing some hot sauce into the Buffalo sauce for an even bolder kick.
Seasonal Flavors: In the fall, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a touch of maple syrup in the Buffalo sauce gives a lovely seasonal twist that's unexpected but delicious.

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

The image shows many small, bright orange cauliflower pieces that look crispy and coated in sauce. They are placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled surface with small green herb leaves scattered around. A woman's hand is dipping one cauliflower piece into a small silver cup filled with white creamy sauce. The cauliflower pieces have a slightly charred look in some spots, making them appear cooked and flavorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Space

First things first, set your oven to 375°F. I line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only helps keep the cauliflower from sticking but makes cleanup a breeze. Having your baking sheets ready means you can move right into coating your cauliflower florets without a pause.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Batter

Grab a large bowl and combine the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Then, pour in the buttermilk and stir well. You should end up with a thick batter that clings nicely to the cauliflower. If your batter feels too thin, a tiny extra sprinkle of flour can help it thicken up for perfect coating.

Step 3: Coat Each Floret Evenly

Now it's time to toss the cauliflower in that flavorful batter. Make sure each floret gets fully coated by stirring gently but thoroughly. When placing them on the baking sheets, spacing is key — leave room between florets so the air can circulate and crisp them up beautifully.

Step 4: Bake the First Side to Golden Perfection

Pop the trays into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. You'll notice the batter starting to firm up and the cauliflower will begin to soften. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a light golden color, signaling you're ready for the next step.

Step 5: Flip & Bake Again for Maximum Crispiness

Carefully flip each cauliflower floret over to ensure even cooking and that signature crispiness on all sides. Return the trays to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. By the end, your cauliflower wings will have a crisp, golden crust that's irresistibly crunchy yet tender inside.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Classic Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, mix up your Buffalo sauce. Melt the butter and combine it with your Buffalo sauce in a bowl, whisking until fully blended and smooth. This step is where the wings get their iconic tangy, spicy punch.

Step 7: Toss, Serve, and Savor

Once your cauliflower is baked to crispy perfection, transfer the florets into the bowl with the Buffalo sauce. Toss them gently to coat every piece in that rich, spicy sauce. Serve immediately and watch these crowd-pleasers disappear fast—perfect game day snacking that’s both tasty and a bit healthier!

Top Tip

Getting those Buffalo Cauliflower Wings perfectly crispy and flavorful is easier than you think, especially with a few tricks up your sleeve. These tips come from my own kitchen experiments and are sure to help you nail the recipe every time.

Even Coating: Make sure each cauliflower floret is fully coated in the thick batter to achieve that perfect crispy texture — a thin or patchy coating will leave spots soggy.
Space for Crispiness: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheets! Giving enough space around each piece ensures the hot air circulates evenly, resulting in wings that are crispy on all sides.
Flip with Care: When flipping the cauliflower after 20 minutes of baking, use tongs to gently turn each piece so you don’t knock off the batter. This helps keep that crunchy coating intact.
Customize Your Heat: Experiment with different Buffalo sauces or adjust the butter-to-sauce ratio to find your ideal level of spicy and richness — I love sticking to Frank’s for that classic tangy kick.

How to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A white bowl with a thin dark rim is filled with a light orange batter speckled with darker spices, and a piece of light cream cauliflower is being dipped into the batter using metal tongs held by a woman's hand. Around the bowl, there are several cauliflower florets in light cream color scattered on a white marbled surface. In the upper background, a baking tray with brown parchment paper holds cauliflower pieces coated in the same orange batter, showing a mix of smooth and bumpy textures. A clear glass measuring cup with water sits near the bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are fantastic when garnished with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. For the full game-day vibe, serve them with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side — both classic and refreshing accompaniments.

Side Dishes

To round out your snack spread, consider easy, crowd-pleasing sides like creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, crunchy sweet potato fries, or a cool cucumber salad. They complement the spicy wings beautifully and keep things balanced.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep them fresh while preserving their flavor.

Freezing

If you'd like to freeze the wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen wings can last for up to 2 months. This is perfect for prepping ahead for parties or quick snacks.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the buttermilk for a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar, and use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of dairy butter for the sauce. This keeps the wings just as flavorful and friendly for vegan diets.

How can I make these wings gluten free?

To make the recipe gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This adjustment will keep your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings crisp and delicious without gluten.

What’s the best way to get the wings crispy without frying?

Baking at a steady 375°F and spacing the cauliflower well on the parchment-lined baking sheets is key. Also, flipping them halfway through helps both sides crisp evenly. This method avoids frying but still delivers crunch.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the buffalo sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before tossing with the freshly baked cauliflower wings for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to appetizers. It strikes the perfect balance between spicy, tangy, and crispy, all while feeling just a bit healthier than traditional wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a snack that packs a punch, I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. Happy cooking and snacking!