Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 3/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/3 cup Buffalo Sauce (Frank’s recommended)

I am genuinely excited to share my all-time favorite Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe with you! I love how this dish packs all the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo wings while being completely meat-free, crispy, and unbelievably satisfying. If you enjoy the tangy heat of buffalo sauce but want a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative, this is the perfect recipe. Every bite is crunchy, spicy, and utterly addictive — I never get tired of making it for game day, casual dinners, or when I want a crowd-pleaser that’s also easy to whip up.

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

What really draws me to this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is the amazing balance of flavors and textures. The cauliflower florets get coated in a luscious, spiced batter that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Then, tossing them in the buttery, tangy buffalo sauce makes each piece burst with that classic wing flavor I crave, but without the heaviness of fried chicken. I love that the heat is there but not overwhelming — just enough to make my taste buds dance.

Another reason I’m such a fan is how straightforward the preparation is. I appreciate recipes that don’t require a million complicated steps or fancy ingredients, and this one checks those boxes perfectly. The batter comes together quickly with simple pantry staples like flour, spices, and buttermilk, and the baking process means less mess and less guilt without sacrificing any of the crispy goodness.

Finally, I find this recipe to be super versatile for any occasion. Whether I’m hosting friends for a casual get-together, preparing appetizers for a party, or just craving a fun midweek meal, these buffalo cauliflower wings never disappoint. They bring that irresistible wing vibe to the table in such a fresh, seasonal way. I’m confident you’ll want to make these again and again once you try them!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows many small pieces of cauliflower coated in a bright orange sauce, arranged on a black wire rack over white paper with a white marbled surface underneath. The cauliflower pieces are slightly charred on some parts, adding dark brown spots to the orange layer. Scattered fresh green parsley leaves add a pop of color among the cauliflower. On the left side, there is a small transparent glass bowl filled with a creamy white dipping sauce. The whole scene looks fresh and vibrant. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe are simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect crispy, spicy finish. From the earthy cauliflower to the warming spices and fiery buffalo sauce, everything harmonizes so well.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Cauliflower: The star of the dish, offering a mild flavor and firm texture that crisps up beautifully.
Flour: Provides structure for the batter to stick to each floret and crisp nicely in the oven.
Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce fabulously.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These spices deepen the flavor, making the batter wonderfully savory.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Buttermilk: Helps create a thick batter that clings perfectly and adds a slight tang.
Butter: Melted and mixed into the buffalo sauce for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Buffalo sauce: The trademark flavor bomb — I love using Frank’s for that classic taste.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps keep your cauliflower from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Then pour in the buttermilk and stir until you have a thick, smooth batter that will coat your cauliflower nicely.

Step 3: Toss your cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure every piece is well coated. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop each floret out and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them so the hot air can circulate and crisp them up evenly.

Step 4: Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece over so they brown on the other side. Bake for another 20 minutes until golden and crispy — keep an eye out so they don’t burn!

Step 5: While the cauliflower is in the oven, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl, whisking until combined and glossy. This blend gives the wings that luscious coating without any greasy feel.

Step 6: Once the cauliflower wings are cooked through and crisp, transfer them into the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss everything together, making sure each floret is deliciously coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and zing.

Servings and Timing

This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe yields about 6 generous servings — perfect for sharing but also great if you want leftovers to snack on the next day!

Prep time takes roughly 10 minutes, mainly for cutting the cauliflower and making the batter. The baking time is about 40 minutes total, including flipping. So plan for a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Because these taste best fresh from the oven, I recommend serving them right away without resting, but if needed, you can keep them warm briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve This Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a bright orange, saucy cauliflower floret dipping it into a small metal cup filled with white creamy sauce. The cauliflower pieces are many, scattered on a black wire cooling rack on a white marbled surface. The cauliflower is coated with a thick, slightly shiny orange sauce with some darker charred spots. Small green herb leaves are scattered among the cauliflower pieces. The image is bright and clear with a soft background blur. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cauliflower wings as the highlight of a casual meal or party platter. They pair beautifully with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a classic wing-lover’s combo. A side of creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing also balances out the buffalo heat perfectly.

For a fun presentation, I like to pile the wings high on a rustic wooden board or a large platter, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. If I’m serving these at a gathering, I make sure to provide plenty of napkins because they are delightfully messy in the best way!

As for beverages, these golden wings go great with an ice-cold beer or a crisp, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or a zesty iced tea complements the zing of the buffalo sauce amazingly well. I think this recipe is perfect served hot or warm so the crispy coating holds but the heat from the sauce is nice and fresh.

Variations

I have so much fun customizing this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to make it gluten-free, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour works wonderfully without compromising the crispiness. For vegan friends, simply replace the buttermilk with a plant-based yogurt or milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice, and substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil.

If you’re a spice lover, you can easily amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper to the batter or mixing hot sauce with a touch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Alternatively, for a milder version, mix buffalo sauce with a bit more melted butter to temper the heat.

I’ve also tried cooking these wings in a hot air fryer instead of the oven, and the results are fantastic — faster crisping and an even crunchier finish. Just cook at about 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method is ideal when you want to save time but still crave that perfect buffalo wing experience.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is always a good problem!) store your buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best flavor and crispness for about 3 to 4 days. I recommend layering them gently with parchment paper if stacking to avoid soggy spots.

Freezing

You can freeze these wings if you want to extend their shelf life. Lay the buffalo cauliflower wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

The key to reheating buffalo cauliflower wings is to preserve their crispiness. I recommend warming them up in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make them soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick re-toast in a lightly oiled skillet also works to refresh that crispy exterior.

FAQs

Can I make the batter dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tanginess. Using vegan butter in the sauce keeps the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is this buffalo cauliflower wings recipe?

The spiciness is moderate — it has that classic buffalo wing kick but is balanced by the butter and mild cauliflower flavor. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce for extra punch or reducing it if you prefer mild flavors.

Can I bake these wings in advance?

You can bake the cauliflower wings ahead of time but I recommend waiting to toss them in the buffalo sauce until just before serving so the coating stays crisp. If coated too early, they may soften and lose their crunch.

What buffalo sauce brand do you recommend?

I personally love Frank’s RedHot for that authentic, tangy, and slightly vinegary flavor that buffalo wings are known for. However, you can use any favorite hot sauce — just adjust quantities to your taste.

Are these wings suitable for kids?

Definitely! The heat level can be toned down to suit kids by mixing the buffalo sauce with extra melted butter or serving it on the side for dipping. The crispy cauliflower texture is usually a big hit with younger eaters as well.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe a try — it’s become one of my go-to dishes when I want bold flavor without the heaviness of traditional wings. It’s easy, fun to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. I’m sure once you taste these crispy, saucy bites, you’ll be just as excited as I am to keep this recipe in your regular rotation. Enjoy every spicy, crunchy mouthful!