These Blazing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings bring the heat and flavor of classic buffalo wings in a plant-based, crispy form! Coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and roasted to perfection, these cauliflower bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer for game day, parties, or when you’re craving something bold and delicious. Serve them with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a fiery, crowd-pleasing dish.
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
15 minutes
- Cooking time:
30 minutes
- Total time:
45 minutes
- Number of servings:
4
- Serving size:
1 cup (approx. 100g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
180 kcal
- Protein:
4 g
- Carbohydrates:
15 g
- Fat:
12 g
- Fiber:
4 g
- Sodium:
750 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized
florets (about 600g/21 oz)
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 120ml (1/2 cup) water
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 240ml (1 cup) buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)
For serving:
- Celery sticks
- Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing
Method of Preparation:
- Preheat the oven
to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked
paprika, black pepper, and salt. The batter should be smooth and thick
enough to coat the cauliflower florets. If it’s too thick, add a little
more water.
- Coat the cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated,
and shake off any excess. Place the coated florets on the lined baking
sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake the cauliflower:
Drizzle the florets with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until
they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip the florets halfway
through to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, heat the buffalo
sauce and vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring
until well combined. Alternatively, mix the buffalo sauce and melted
butter in a bowl.
- Toss the cauliflower:
Once the cauliflower is done baking, transfer it to a large bowl and pour
the buffalo sauce over the top. Gently toss the cauliflower to coat each
piece in the sauce.
- Bake again:
Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for
another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and the
cauliflower to become crispy again.
- Serve hot:
Remove from the oven and serve immediately with celery sticks and vegan
ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Ensure crispy cauliflower: For maximum crispiness, don’t overcrowd the baking
sheet—space out the florets so they roast instead of steam.
- Adjust the heat:
If you prefer a milder version, use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with
more vegan butter to tone down the spice.
- Double-baking is key:
The second round of baking after coating in buffalo sauce ensures the
cauliflower stays crispy despite the sauce.
- Gluten-free option:
Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the
recipe gluten-free.
- Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower works best for crispy wings, but if
you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and dry it well to avoid sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make these cauliflower wings in an air fryer? Yes! Cook the battered cauliflower in an air fryer at
200°C (390°F) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss in buffalo
sauce and air fry again for an additional 5 minutes.
- What can I use instead of buffalo sauce? You can use barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a
sweet chili sauce for different flavor variations.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in
the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a
crispier texture.
- Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower? Absolutely! Try using broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or
even zucchini slices for a similar effect.
- How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy? Ensure that the cauliflower florets are well-spaced on
the baking sheet and fully crisped during the first bake before adding the
sauce.
Blazing Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
are a spicy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Whether you’re looking for a plant-based appetizer or a fun snack, these
crispy, tangy bites are guaranteed to impress. Serve them with celery sticks
and vegan ranch for the ultimate finger food experience that will leave
everyone reaching for more!