Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (Baked)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 cups water; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup hot sauce; 2 tbsp honey; Ranch dressing, for serving

Buffalo cauliflower wings are crispy baked florets coated in a seasoned batter and tossed in sweet and spicy buffalo sauce, delivering the bold flavors of chicken wings in a vegetarian form.

🌍American 🏷️Cauliflower wings 🏷️Buffalo cauliflower 🏷️Vegetarian 🏷️Appetizer Snack

🏷️

🏷️Game-day

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by tinekeyounger

-0:00

tinekeyoungeronTikTok

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1.5 cups water
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup hot sauce
2 tbsp honey
Ranch dressing, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Preheat your oven. Cut one head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them in a large bowl.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
3
Gradually whisk in water until the batter reaches a smooth, pancake-like consistency.
4
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until each piece is fully coated.
5
Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
6
Bake until the coating is crispy and golden brown.
7
While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, hot sauce, and honey.
8
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
9
Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the warm sauce over each piece, ensuring they are evenly coated.
10
Serve immediately with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat cauliflower florets completely dry after cutting to ensure the batter adheres evenly and crisps properly during baking.
Use parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote browning on the bottom.
Toss the sauce with cauliflower just before serving to maintain crispiness; pre-saucing will soften the coating.
Increase spice level by adding cayenne pepper (¼–½ tsp) to the dry spice blend before battering.

Substitutions

All-purpose flour → Cornstarch (creates crispier coating)
Chili powder → Cayenne pepper (½ tsp for more heat)
Water → Beer or club soda (adds lightness to batter)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled baked cauliflower in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, then toss with sauce to restore crispiness.

Common Questions

Can you make buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes. Coat and bake the cauliflower, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes before tossing in sauce.

How do you keep buffalo cauliflower crispy?

Bake at a high temperature (425°F or higher), ensure florets are patted dry before battering, and toss sauce gently just before serving to avoid sogginess.

What can you use instead of all-purpose flour?

Cornstarch (1:1 ratio) creates extra crispiness, or try chickpea flour for a gluten-free option with a similar texture.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use a vegan ranch or dairy-free dip. The batter and sauce contain no animal products in this recipe.

How do you know when buffalo cauliflower is done baking?

Florets should be golden brown and crispy on the edges, and the cauliflower should be tender when pierced with a fork, typically 20–25 minutes at 425°F.