Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe for Super Bowl Sunday

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a healthy and tasty twist on classic buffalo wings. Not only are they vegan-friendly, but they’re also full of flavor and crunch. The crispy batter and spicy buffalo sauce provide all the satisfaction you want from a wing without any of the guilt. These cauliflower wings are incredibly versatile—you can adjust the spice level to your liking, serve them with a cool dip like vegan ranch, and enjoy them as a standout dish for your Super Bowl party. It’s the ultimate balance of bold, spicy flavors with a crisp, satisfying texture!

Ingredients

⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup water
1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), broken into large florets
Buffalo sauce, for brushing
Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Gradually add the water, whisking until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir until each floret is well coated.
Arrange Cauliflower on Baking Sheets: Lift the cauliflower florets out of the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip off, and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
Initial Baking: Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use a spatula to carefully flip the florets and bake for another 10 minutes. Be sure to swap the baking sheets on the oven racks halfway through for even cooking.
Brush with Buffalo Sauce: After the initial baking, remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush each floret generously with buffalo sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is darkened and crisp around the edges.
Final Coating and Serving: Once baked, remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush with additional buffalo sauce. Serve hot with vegan ranch for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 52 to 55 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Extra Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Different Sauces: You can experiment with other sauces such as BBQ, sweet chili, or teriyaki for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. While they may lose some of their crispiness, you can restore some of the texture by reheating them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, using an air fryer for a few minutes can help crisp them back up.

FAQs

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these wings gluten-free.

How can I make the cauliflower wings spicier?

To make them spicier, you can add more buffalo sauce, or even include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the batter for an extra spicy kick.

Is there an alternative for vegan ranch?

You can use any plant-based dip or sauce you prefer, such as a cashew cream sauce, tahini dressing, or even vegan sour cream for dipping.

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?

While fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, frozen florets can be used. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before coating in the batter.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. They may lose their crispiness but can be reheated to restore some texture.

Can I prep the cauliflower wings in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.

Can I air-fry the cauliflower wings instead of baking them?

Yes, you can air-fry them for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

Can I bake these wings at a lower temperature?

You can bake them at a lower temperature (around 400°F), but they may take longer to crisp up and the texture might not be as crispy.

What other sauces can I use besides buffalo sauce?

Feel free to experiment with other sauces such as BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or teriyaki sauce for a different twist.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to use two baking sheets so the cauliflower has room to bake evenly.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a tasty, healthy alternative to traditional wings and a perfect addition to your Super Bowl spread. With their crispy texture and spicy buffalo flavor, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a meatless snack or just a fresh twist on a classic favorite, these wings are the perfect choice. Enjoy them with your favorite dip and make your Super Bowl party unforgettable!