Buffalo Wild Wings cauliflower wings are an absolute delight (says me of course!).
But seriously, if you’re looking to enjoy the tangy, spicy taste of traditional buffalo wings, minus the meat you need this one.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor that will have you reaching for more.
For a successful batch, make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly in batter and bake until perfectly golden.
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower (cut into bite-size florets)
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
Whisk in the water until you have a smooth batter.
Step 3:
Add the cauliflower florets into the batter.
Stir until all pieces are fully coated.
Step 4:
Place the cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Use your hands if needed to ensure they don’t clump together.
Step 5:
Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
While they bake, mix buffalo sauce with olive oil.
Step 6:
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and dip each piece into the buffalo sauce mixture.
Place them back on the baking sheet.
Step 7:
Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until crispy and browned.
Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing the Right Cauliflower
Select a fresh, firm head of cauliflower without brown spots.
You’ll get better crispiness with fresh cauliflower.
Perfectly Even Coating
Mix the batter well to avoid lumps.
Making sure the cauliflower pieces are well-coated contributes to the perfect texture.
Using a Wire Rack
Place a wire rack over your baking sheet.
This allows hot air to circulate freely around the cauliflower wings, making them extra crispy.
Buffalo Sauce Mix
Mix olive oil with buffalo sauce.
This will help the sauce adhere better to the cauliflower, making sure each bite is packed with flavor.
Don’t Crowd the Pan
Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer.
Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in less crispy wings.
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings!
What to Serve with Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings
Celery Sticks & Carrot Sticks
You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of celery sticks and carrot sticks.
Their crunchy texture and refreshing taste complement the spicy flavor of buffalo cauliflower wings.
They also add a nice, raw element to the meal, offering a balanced combination.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing
These creamy dressings are perfect for dipping your buffalo cauliflower wings.
They cool down the heat and add a delicious, tangy flavor to each bite.
You can either buy these dressings from the store or make your own at home.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are another fantastic side dish option.
Their slight sweetness contrasts perfectly with the spicy, tangy wings.
Plus, sweet potato fries are baked, meaning they can share your oven with the cauliflower wings to save time.
Avocado Salad
An avocado salad can be a refreshing and nutritious option to serve alongside your wings.
The creaminess of the avocado pairs well with the spicy, tangy flavors.
Add some cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Pickled Vegetables
If you’re looking to try something different, pickled vegetables make an interesting side.
They provide a tangy, slightly sour contrast to the spicy buffalo wings.
You can use pickled cucumbers, radishes, or even pickled red onions to add variety to your plate.
Variations and Substitutions
Flour Options
If you prefer a gluten-free version, use almond flour or rice flour instead of regular flour.
Both work wonderfully and provide a great texture.
Liquid Choices
You can replace water with soda water for a lighter batter.
The carbonation adds an airy texture to your buffalo wings.
Flavor Enhancements
Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the batter for an added kick of flavor.
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy note.
Cooking Methods
Bake your cauliflower wings at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Alternatively, use an Air Fryer at 360°F for a crispier texture.
Dipping Sauces
Pair your wings with a vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Both offer a creamy balance to the spicy buffalo sauce.
Oil Substitutes
Use olive oil spray instead of frying to reduce the fat content.
Just give the tops of the wings a light spray before putting them in the oven or air fryer.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings
Allow to Cool
First, let your leftover Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings cool to room temperature.
This helps prevent condensation and keeps your wings from getting soggy.
Use Airtight Containers
Place the cooled wings in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture.
Glass containers with locking lids are perfect for this purpose.
Refrigerate Properly
Store the container in the refrigerator.
These cauliflower wings will stay fresh for up to 4 days when kept chilled.
Use Freezer Bags for Longer Storage
If you plan to store them for more than a few days, use freezer-safe bags.
Label the bags with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Ideas for Portioning
You can also portion the wings into smaller, single-serving containers.
This makes it easy to grab a quick snack or meal without reheating everything.
Storing the Sauce Separately
Keep the Buffalo sauce in a separate container if possible.
This helps maintain the wings’ crispy texture before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Inadequate Coating
If you don’t coat the cauliflower well enough, it won’t crisp up in the oven.
Make sure the florets are evenly coated with batter to get that crispy texture you love!
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet
Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the cauliflower wings to steam rather than bake.
Give each piece some space to roast evenly.
Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Ignoring the Importance of Temperature
Baking the cauliflower at the wrong temperature can result in soggy wings.
Stick to high temperatures around 425°F.
Preheat your oven well in advance to avoid any temperature fluctuations.
Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil for coating
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Whisk in the water until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the cauliflower florets into the batter.
- Stir until all pieces are fully coated.
- Place the cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Use your hands if needed to ensure they don’t clump together.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- While they bake, mix buffalo sauce with olive oil.
- Remove the cauliflower from the oven and dip each piece into the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Place them back on the baking sheet.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until crispy and browned.
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