Craving the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo wings but looking for a healthier option? These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are the perfect swap! Crispy, flavorful, and baked to perfection, this plant-based alternative is great as a party snack, game-day treat, or appetizer. Even better, they’re easy to make and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: A guilt-free twist on traditional buffalo wings.
- Plant-Based & Versatile: Flexible for all diets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, tailgating, or a fun snack.
- Packed with Flavor: Spiced batter and tangy buffalo sauce deliver bold taste
Ingredients for Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- 1 head organic cauliflower: Cut into bite-sized florets.
- 3/4 cup unbleached organic all-purpose flour: For a light and crispy coating.
- 1 tsp granulated garlic: Adds depth to the batter.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Complements the savory flavors.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall taste.
- 3/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened): Keeps the batter light.
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds tang and activates the batter.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter (vegan if desired): For a rich, silky buffalo sauce.
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce: The sauce is what makes these wings delicious.
How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- First, you’ll preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Next, in a small bowl, mix almond milk with apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated garlic, onion powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the almond milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Step 3: Coat and Bake the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Place the coated florets on the baking sheets, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flip the florets, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and Frank’s Buffalo Sauce until smooth.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Remove the baked cauliflower from the oven and toss it in the buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- For Extra Crispy Wings: To achieve an irresistible crunch, consider broiling the cauliflower for the final 2–3 minutes of baking. This quick step ensures a golden, crispy finish that elevates the texture of your wings.
- Add More Heat: If you crave an extra kick of spice, mix a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the buffalo sauce. This small tweak can intensify the flavor and cater to spice lovers.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. Not only does this simple adjustment make the dish more inclusive, but it also maintains the same great taste and texture.
- Storage: While these wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can easily reheat them to restore their crispiness. Simply place them back in the oven for a few minutes, and they’ll regain their crunchy exterior and delicious flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
- Low-Calorie: One of the best things about cauliflower is its naturally low calorie count, making these wings a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, its high fiber content keeps you satisfied longer.
- Vegan-Friendly: By using plant-based butter and almond milk, this recipe becomes a fully vegan option, perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Both cauliflower and the flavorful spices in this recipe are rich in antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and support overall health. With every bite, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat but also fueling your body with wholesome nutrients.
FAQs
Can I air fry Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces pair well with buffalo cauliflower?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs well. For a vegan option, try cashew-based ranch or tahini sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can bake the cauliflower and store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven and toss in the buffalo sauce just before serving.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious healthy swap for the traditional buffalo wings. They make a great snack or a healthy appetizer to serve at parties or tailgating.
Ingredients
- 1 head organic cauliflower cut into florets
- 3/4 cup unbleached organic flour all purpose
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder organic
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp butter, melted vegan
- 1/3 cup Frank's Buffalo Sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- In a small bowl, add 3/4 cup almond milk with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, let sit for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the spices, salt and flour.
- Combine almond milk mixture with flour mixture, mix well.
- Coat cauliflower florets into the batter, coat evenly in the mixture. Place coated cauliflower on baking pans, leaving room in between so that air can circulate around cauliflower.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip cauliflower, bake for another 20 minutes.
- To make buffalo sauce, combine buffalo sauce with melted butter, then whisk.
- Once cauliflower is done, toss cauliflower into the buffalo sauce to coat and enjoy.