I’ve got a vegan dish that might just make you forget about traditional chicken wings forever. These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings hit all the right notes—spicy, crunchy, and surprisingly meaty in texture. Ever wondered how to satisfy that buffalo wing craving without the meat? The secret lies in the perfect coating and double-bake technique. Trust me, even your carnivore friends will be reaching for seconds and asking for your recipe. Want to know what makes these plant-based bites so irresistible?
Why You’ll Love these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
While traditional wings might be a game day favorite, these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings are about to become your new obsession.
I’m talking about tender cauliflower on the inside, perfectly crispy coating on the outside, and that spicy buffalo sauce that clings to every bite. They’re completely plant-based but satisfy that wing craving we all get sometimes.
What’s not to love? They’re healthier than chicken wings, much easier on your wallet, and honestly, they’re impressive enough to serve to even your most skeptical meat-eating friends.
Plus, they pair perfectly with celery and vegan ranch, just like the classic.
What Ingredients are in Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings?
Creating these mouthwatering buffalo cauliflower wings requires just a handful of plant-based ingredients that combine to create that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture we all crave. The beauty of these wings lies in their simplicity—common pantry staples transform humble cauliflower into a flavor-packed appetizer that might just upstage the main course at your next gathering. And trust me, nobody will be missing the chicken.
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¾ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal (for that extra crunch!)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Frank’s hot sauce (as much as your heat tolerance allows)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters for a few key items. First, make certain your cauliflower head is fresh and firm without any brown spots—this guarantees the best texture after baking. For the hot sauce, while Frank’s is the classic buffalo wing choice, you can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder alternative or mixing Frank’s with a bit of vegan butter for a richer sauce. And don’t forget to have some celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing on hand for serving—they’re not just traditional accompaniments but provide that cooling contrast that makes each spicy bite even more satisfying.
Make Ahead Tips for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Who doesn’t love having a time-saving strategy up their sleeve when entertaining? Planning ahead with these cauliflower wings can save you from that last-minute kitchen scramble and let you actually enjoy your own party.
- Pre-cut your cauliflower: Wash and cut your cauliflower into florets up to 3 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This simple step saves at least 15 minutes of prep time when you’re ready to cook.
- Mix your dry coating: Combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a container with a tight-fitting lid up to a week in advance. When ready to use, just give it a quick shake to remix everything. Talk about instant flavor!
- Prepare your almond milk mixture: The almond milk and apple cider vinegar combo can be mixed and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking. Just give it a good stir before using, as separation is normal. The vinegar actually begins to “culture” the milk slightly, which can enhance the tangy flavor profile.
- First-bake strategy: If you’re really in a time crunch, you can complete the first 20-minute bake earlier in the day, let the cauliflower cool completely, then store in the refrigerator.
When guests arrive, simply toss with the buffalo sauce and complete the final 20-minute bake. They’ll come out just as crispy, and nobody will know your clever time-management secret!
How to Make these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Now for the magical coating that transforms humble cauliflower into crave-worthy “wings.” In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup flour, ¼ cup cornmeal (the secret to that extra crunch), 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoky paprika, ½ teaspoon of thyme, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar—let it sit for about 5 minutes and watch it slightly curdle, creating a vegan buttermilk-like consistency. Dip each cauliflower floret into this wet mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.
Arrange your coated florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Here’s where the magic happens—take the partially baked cauliflower and toss it generously with Frank’s hot sauce until every piece is glistening with that signature buffalo coating.
Pop them back in the oven for another 20 minutes, and the transformation is complete. The outside becomes wonderfully crisp while the inside stays perfectly tender.
What emerges from your oven isn’t just cauliflower—it’s a game-day worthy appetizer that might just upstage the main event. Who needs chicken wings when plant-based perfection tastes this good?
For even better results, consider making these wings in a high-end vegan air fryer for the ultimate crispy texture without the added oil.
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Substitutions and Variations
While these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings are incredible as written, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
Need to go gluten-free? Swap the regular flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend. Not a fan of almond milk? Any plant milk works beautifully—oat milk gives an extra creamy coating.
For different flavor profiles, try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo, or create an Asian twist with sweet chili sauce. You can even add breadcrumbs to the coating for extra crunch.
The cornmeal can be replaced with rice flour for a lighter texture. And if you’re spice-sensitive, cut the hot sauce with maple syrup. So many possibilities.
What to Serve with Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These finger-licking buffalo cauliflower wings deserve the perfect supporting cast to make your meal complete.
I always pair mine with fresh, crisp celery sticks and a cool, creamy vegan ranch dressing—the contrast between spicy wings and invigorating veggies is simply divine.
Want to turn this appetizer into a meal?
Try serving them alongside a zesty coleslaw, some seasoned potato wedges, or a hearty green salad.
Mac and cheese (vegan, of course) also makes an incredible sidekick to these spicy bites.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for these heavenly combinations.
Leftovers and Storage for these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
After enjoying your amazing buffalo cauliflower feast with all those delicious sides, you might find yourself with leftovers—and that’s actually a good thing!
Store any remaining cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispiness, but don’t worry.
To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, and they’ll regain much of their texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—trust me, soggy wings are nobody’s friend.
Can’t eat them within 3 days? Simply freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings, you’ll never look at cauliflower the same way again. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, movie night, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something delicious.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Not a fan of spicy? Swap the buffalo sauce for barbecue or teriyaki. Need a quick appetizer? These wings come together in under an hour.
Trust me, even the most dedicated meat-eaters won’t miss the chicken. Ready to transform humble cauliflower into something extraordinary? Like a good make-ahead breakfast casserole, these cauliflower wings can be prepped in advance and finished just before serving.