If you love bold flavors with a bit of a kick but want to skip the traditional chicken wings, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is just the thing for your next snack attack or game day gathering. Let me walk you through why these crispy, tangy bites might become your new favorite!

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’ve made buffalo cauliflower wings more times than I can count, and honestly, they never disappoint. Whether I’m entertaining friends or just craving a flavorful snack, these wings hit the spot every time without weighing me down.

Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples so you can whip them up anytime.
Healthier alternative: Baked, not fried, for crispy wings with less guilt.
Bold flavor: That classic tangy buffalo sauce punches through beautifully.
Versatile & crowd-pleasing: Perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping, let’s talk ingredients. I always recommend using fresh cauliflower — firm heads with tight florets give the best texture. And for the batter, the spices pack in flavor while the buttermilk helps achieve that perfect crispy coating once baked.

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 the show, cut into florets so each piece bakes evenly and crisps up perfectly.
Flour: Creates the batter base, ensuring a nice crispy shell when baked.
Ground paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth to the coating mix.
Onion powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the buffalo sauce.
Garlic powder: Provides classic aromatic flavor essential for buffalo seasoning.
Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients, balancing out the flavors.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes cauliflower and helps the batter stick—plus adds tangy richness.
Butter: Melts into the buffalo sauce, soothing the heat and making it silky smooth.
Buffalo Sauce: The bold, spicy coating that transforms simple cauliflower into crave-worthy wings.

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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 lies in its versatility. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to customize these crispy, flavorful bites to suit your taste buds.

Vegan Variation: I love swapping out the buttermilk for a plant-based version and using coconut oil instead of butter. It still delivers that classic buffalo zing with zero dairy, and my vegan friends rave about it every time!
Gluten-Free Option: When making this with a gluten-free flour blend, you get the same crispy texture that impresses guests who need to avoid gluten. I always double-check the flour brand to keep things safe and tasty.
Extra Crispy Kick: For those who want a crunchier finish, try giving the coated cauliflower a light spray of oil before baking. It adds a golden crisp that’s hard to resist.
Mild or Spicy: Adjust the buffalo sauce amount or switch to a hotter sauce if you like more heat. Personally, I start with the recommended amount and then serve extra sauce on the side for dipping!

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 with Care

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Spacing the baking sheets apart is key—this allows heat to circulate and ensures your cauliflower wings get nice and crispy all around.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Flavor-Packed Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Pour in the ¾ cup of buttermilk and stir until you have a thick, smooth batter. The consistency is important here—a batter that’s too runny won’t stick well, so it should coat your cauliflower nicely without dripping.

Step 3: Coat Each Floret Evenly

Drop your cauliflower florets into the batter bowl and toss gently but thoroughly so each piece is coated in that flavorful mixture. Then, spread them out evenly on your lined baking sheets. Be sure to leave space between pieces for the air to crisp up every side—crowding them will lead to sogginess, something we definitely want to avoid!

Step 4: Bake and Flip for Even Crispiness

Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes at 375°F. When the timer goes off, carefully flip each floret to the other side using tongs or a spatula. This flip ensures a beautifully even bake and browning. Pop them back in the oven for another 20 minutes—this second bake is what really firms up that coating to a perfect crunch.

Step 5: Whip Up That Classic Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are baking, mix your buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Whisk until completely combined. The butter adds richness and mellows the vinegar’s tang, giving you that iconic buffalo flavor that’s rich but balanced.

Step 6: Toss and Serve Warm

As soon as your cauliflower florets come out of the oven, transfer them directly to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each wing is coated in that spicy, buttery goodness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture—warm, crispy, and packed with flavor!

Top Tip

Getting crispy and flavorful buffalo cauliflower wings isn’t just about the recipe—it’s about the little details that make a big difference. Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours!

Perfect Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter is thick enough to cling to each cauliflower floret without dripping off—that’s key for that perfect coating.
Space for Crispiness: Don’t crowd your cauliflower on the baking sheets! Giving them room ensures air circulates well so each “wing” crisps up beautifully on all sides.
Flip with Care: When flipping the florets halfway through baking, use tongs gently so you don’t knock off the batter, keeping that crispy crust intact.
Buffalo Sauce Toss: Toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce right after baking while it’s hot so it soaks up all that delicious zing without getting soggy.

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

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe and bring extra pop to the plate. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly to cool down the heat. For a tangy twist, some thinly sliced scallions or celery sticks on the side add crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

This appetizer shines on game day alongside some classic sides. Serve your buffalo cauliflower wings with crispy sweet potato fries, celery sticks, or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the bold flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, some cheesy spinach artichoke dip makes a fantastic companion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that satisfying crunch, avoid tossing them in sauce until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked buffalo cauliflower wings by first baking and cooling them completely, then placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. After reheating, toss the wings in fresh buffalo sauce and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the buttermilk for plant-based buttermilk and replace the melted butter with coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter. This way, you get all the delicious flavor without any animal products.

How do I make gluten-free buffalo cauliflower wings?

Just replace the all-purpose flour in the batter with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free as well. This swap keeps your wings crispy and flavorful without gluten.

What’s the best way to get crispy cauliflower wings?

Spacing the cauliflower florets out evenly on parchment-lined baking sheets is key. The air needs to circulate to crisp up all sides. Also, flipping them halfway through baking helps achieve that perfect crunch.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the batter fresh just before coating the cauliflower to ensure the right thickness and to avoid it getting too thick or watery over time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about biting into these crispy, tangy buffalo cauliflower wings—they’re proof you don’t need traditional wings to have big bold game day flavor. Whether you’re serving them to friends, family, or just treating yourself, this Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is a keeper. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this appetizer a new favorite in your rotation. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy, spicy bite!