Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Photography By: Christine Hotz

Looking to spice up your appetizer game? These cauliflower buffalo wings are a must-try! The cauliflower is coated in a crispy batter made from chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour) and seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Once battered, the cauliflower is baked to perfection, resulting in a tender interior and a crunchy exterior.

But what really sets these “wings” apart is the irresistible buffalo sauce. A combination of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, vegetable oil, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, this sauce packs a punch of flavor with just the right amount of heat. Once the cauliflower is coated in the sauce, it’s baked again to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve these cauliflower buffalo wings with a side of non-dairy ranch dressing for the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer!

Prep Time: 16 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 46 minutes
Serves: 10

Ingredients

Battered Cauliflower:

  • 1 cup (120 g) Chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) Salt
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) Garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) Paprika
  • ¾ cup (190 ml) Water
  • 6 cups (1.5 L) Cauliflower, broken into medium-sized florets

Buffalo Sauce:

  • 2/3 cup (165 ml) Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp (2 ml) Tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Maple syrup
  • 1 tsp (3 g) Smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Cooking oil spray or vegetable oil

For serving:

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450˚F (230˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. To prepare batter, in a medium bowl whisk together flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until combined. Make a well in the center and slowly whisk in the water.
  3. Dip cauliflower florets in batter and lay on a wire rack. Allow excess batter to drip.
  4. Place cauliflower on baking sheets then spray tops with a bit of oil.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cauliflower is crisp and browned but still firm. Do not over-bake or the cauliflower will turn soft.
  6. Toss baked cauliflower with the Buffalo sauce to coat.
  7. Serve hot with 1 tbsp of ranch sauce per portion.

Looking for other delicious plant-based appetizers? You’ll love our Avocado Fries and our Cauliflower and Lentil Fritters!