Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Spicy

Highlighted under: Nourish & Refresh Recipes

A delicious and spicy twist on traditional buffalo wings, these cauliflower wings are a healthier alternative that packs a flavorful punch.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T19:30:27.657Z

These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are perfect for game days, parties, or as a healthy snack. They are crispy, spicy, and full of flavor, making them a hit among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Crispy texture that satisfies your cravings
  • Spicy buffalo sauce that adds a kick
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing

Healthier Alternative to Traditional Wings

Buffalo cauliflower wings offer a guilt-free alternative to traditional chicken wings. By substituting cauliflower for chicken, you significantly reduce the calorie and fat content while still enjoying a satisfying crunch. This recipe is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. The cauliflower absorbs the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with that signature kick that fans of buffalo wings crave.

Moreover, cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, making it a nutritious choice. Unlike fried chicken wings, these baked cauliflower wings are not only lower in calories but also offer a wealth of health benefits. Incorporating more vegetables into your diet can help you feel fuller longer, making these wings an excellent option for a snack or appetizer.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving a spicy snack, buffalo cauliflower wings are the perfect dish. They are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated, ensuring that you can spend more time enjoying the company of your guests and less time in the kitchen.

These wings are also a hit among vegan and vegetarian friends, providing a delicious option that everyone can enjoy. Pair them with fresh celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a complete snack platter that will have everyone coming back for seconds. No matter the occasion, these spicy cauliflower wings are sure to impress.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower Wings

To achieve the perfect texture for your buffalo cauliflower wings, make sure to coat the florets evenly with the batter. This helps them become crispy during baking. If you prefer an extra crunch, consider double-battering the cauliflower by dipping them in the seasoned flour mixture twice before baking. This method adds an additional layer of texture that takes these wings to the next level.

Additionally, using a high-quality buffalo sauce can elevate the flavor of your wings. There are many varieties available on the market, so choose one that matches your heat tolerance. If you like it spicy, go for a hotter sauce; if you prefer a milder flavor, look for a sauce that balances heat with sweetness. Customizing the sauce to your liking can make your buffalo cauliflower wings even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Spicy:

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh celery sticks, for serving
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Spicy:

Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a batter. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, coating them evenly.

Bake the Wings

Place the coated cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Coat with Buffalo Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the baked cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil until well coated. Return to the baking sheet.

Final Bake

Bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and the wings to get extra crispy.

Serve

Remove from the oven and serve hot with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Enjoy your spicy and crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings!

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo cauliflower wings can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. Pair them with a side of fresh vegetables like carrots and celery for a colorful presentation. You can also serve them with various dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, to complement the spicy flavor of the wings. For a more robust meal, consider serving them alongside a quinoa salad or over a bed of rice.

If you're looking to spice things up, try adding toppings like sliced green onions or crumbled feta cheese before serving. You can also offer a range of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes. This versatility makes the wings a great choice for entertaining or casual family meals.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their crispy texture, it's best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the wings on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked battered cauliflower wings. Simply place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can have delicious buffalo cauliflower wings ready at a moment's notice.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cauliflower wings gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ What can I serve with these wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrots, and your favorite dipping sauces.

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh cauliflower works best, but you can use frozen as well. Just ensure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before coating.

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Spicy

A delicious and spicy twist on traditional buffalo wings, these cauliflower wings are a healthier alternative that packs a flavorful punch.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Nourish & Refresh Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1 cup water
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1 cup buffalo sauce
  10. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  11. Fresh celery sticks, for serving
  12. Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a batter. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, coating them evenly.

Step 02

Place the coated cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, mix the baked cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil until well coated. Return to the baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and the wings to get extra crispy.

Step 05

Remove from the oven and serve hot with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 6g