If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, you’ve got to try this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. They’re the perfect game day treat or anytime you want a healthier twist on classic buffalo wings.

The image shows a wire rack full of pieces of cauliflower coated with a bright orange sauce, giving them a glossy, slightly charred look in spots. The pieces vary in size, scattered evenly across the rack with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled around for color contrast. On the left side, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a white creamy dip placed on a white marbled surface. The overall scene is bright and clean, highlighting the vibrant orange and green colors against the white background. 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 Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these buffalo cauliflower wings! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have the perfect kick of buffalo sauce that keeps me coming back for more.

Super crispy texture: Baking the cauliflower with a buttermilk batter gives these wings crunch without deep frying.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these staples right in your pantry already.
Healthy and vegetarian: All the flavor, none of the guilt, making them a crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy.
Perfect for game day: Easy to prep ahead and always a hit when friends come over.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need and why each one is key for making the crispiest, most flavorful buffalo cauliflower wings.

Flat lay of a fresh whole head of cauliflower cut into florets arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of plain white flour, a small white bowl containing bright red ground paprika powder, another small white bowl with light brown onion powder, a small white bowl of finely ground white garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with creamy pale buttermilk, a small white bowl holding golden melted butter, and a small white bowl of vibrant orange-red buffalo sauce, 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—choose a fresh head with firm, white florets for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps create the crispy batter that clings perfectly to each floret.
Ground paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the coating.
Onion powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic powder: Essential for that classic buffalo wing flavor.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances the natural taste of cauliflower.
Buttermilk: Creates a thick batter that crisps up beautifully when baked.
Butter: Melts into the buffalo sauce for richness and a velvety finish.
Buffalo sauce: I love using Frank’s for that authentic tang and spice that defines buffalo 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

One of the best parts about this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want it vegan, gluten-free, or with a little extra kick, there’s a variation that fits!

Vegan Variation: I love swapping the buttermilk for plant-based buttermilk and using coconut oil instead of butter. It gives the wings a lovely richness while keeping everything fully vegan—plus, they still get super crispy!
Gluten-Free Option: For anyone avoiding gluten, I replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. It works beautifully and keeps the batter thick and crispy without sacrificing texture.
Extra Spicy Twist: When I want more heat, I mix some cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder into the batter or buffalo sauce. It gives a smoky, fiery punch that really wakes up the flavors.
Herb-Infused Buffalo Sauce: Sometimes I whisk in a little fresh chopped cilantro or parsley right before tossing the wings in the sauce for a fresh herbal kick that brightens up the bold buffalo flavor.
Seasonal Add-Ons: For fall, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter can make these wings feel cozy and unique. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices!

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

The image shows many small orange-colored cauliflower pieces with a slightly charred texture, placed on a black wire rack over a white marbled background. The cauliflower pieces are coated in a bright, glossy sauce and scattered with a few green herb leaves. A woman's hand is dipping one piece into a small silver cup filled with a thick white sauce, visible near the center of the image. The lighting highlights the shiny sauce and the crisp texture of the cauliflower. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pans

Start by setting your oven to 375°F—this temperature is perfect for getting that crisp outside while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the wings from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I like to spread the coated florets out evenly so the hot air can circulate around each piece, giving you the best crunch possible.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Batter

In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon each of ground paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. This spice blend is the secret behind that irresistible flavor. Slowly stir in ¾ cup buttermilk until you have a thick, creamy batter. If it feels too runny, a little extra flour can help. The batter should cling to the cauliflower for that perfect crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets Thoroughly

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Don’t rush this step—well-coated wings mean every bite gets that signature crunch and spice. Arrange the coated pieces spaced apart on your lined baking sheets; crowding them can cause sogginess, and we want crispy!

Step 4: Bake and Flip for Even Crispiness

Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, allowing the batter to start setting and crisping up beautifully. After this initial bake, carefully flip each piece over so the other side can brown and crisp evenly. Return them to the oven for another 20 minutes. You’ll notice a delightful golden color and a crunch that’s just right.

Step 5: Mix the Classic Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk it together with ⅓ cup of your favorite Buffalo sauce — I often use Frank’s. This combo creates that perfect balance of rich, tangy, and spicy. The aroma alone will have your taste buds tingling!

Step 6: Toss in the Sauce and Serve Immediately

As soon as the cauliflower wings come out of the oven, transfer them directly into the bowl with your buffalo sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so every floret is coated in that luscious, spicy sauce. Serve these up immediately for the best texture – crispy, saucy, and utterly addictive.

Top Tip

Getting perfectly crispy buffalo cauliflower wings can feel like a small art, but with these tips, you’ll nail that golden crunch every time while keeping the flavors bold and delicious.

Space Them Out: Leaving enough room between each cauliflower floret on your baking sheets is key. It lets the hot air circulate, which is what creates that irresistible crispiness all around.
Flip ‘Em Twice: I’ve learned flipping the wings halfway through baking and then again before the end ensures an even, thorough bake with no soggy spots.
Buffalo Sauce Warmth: Tossing the cauliflower in warm buffalo sauce right after baking helps the sauce cling beautifully and locks in that spicy goodness.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Batter: The richness of the buttermilk combined with the spices in the batter is what gives you that perfect tender inside with a lightly crispy shell – totally worth the little extra step!

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A woman's hand is holding metal tongs gripping a piece of cauliflower being dipped into a thick, light brown batter inside a white bowl with a blue rim. The batter has a smooth texture with specks of seasoning. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are several raw white cauliflower florets. Above the bowl is a metal tray lined with brown parchment paper, on which several cauliflower pieces are already coated with the same light brown batter. A clear glass measuring cup is partially visible to the left. The scene is bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes not only add a pop of color but bring complementary flavors. Try some chopped green onions or chives sprinkled over the wings for a mild oniony crunch. Cooling creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is a classic pairing and perfect for dipping. A few celery or carrot sticks on the plate add that fresh crispness that balances out the zingy buffalo sauce nicely.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like crunchy coleslaw, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a simple crisp green salad. For a game day spread, consider serving alongside tortilla chips and guacamole or a creamy mac and cheese for something warm and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure the wings have cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these wings, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen wings into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them straight from frozen until crispy.

Reheating

To bring back their crispiness after storing, reheat the cauliflower wings in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy – the oven method is your best friend here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use plant-based buttermilk (or make your own with plant milk and vinegar) and swap the melted butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil. This keeps the wings just as delicious and crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based) with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken, then use it in the recipe as directed.

How do I get the cauliflower wings extra crispy?

Spacing the cauliflower florets apart on the baking sheets, baking at 375°F, and flipping halfway helps with crispiness. Also, making sure not to overcrowd the pan allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the batter perfectly.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe gluten free without sacrificing texture or taste.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe shows how easy and fun it can be to create a healthier, vegetarian spin on a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving them at a party or snacking solo, these wings bring that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and flavorful every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do – here’s to many delicious bites ahead!