Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings served with a side of dipping sauce

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: The Cozy, Flavorful Comfort You Didn’t Know You Needed

As the leaves begin to blanket the earth in shades of amber and crimson, and the air turns crisp, I find myself longing for cozy evenings spent with family and friends. It’s the perfect time for warm, comforting bites that bring everyone together around the dining table. One of my favorite fall-inspired dishes is Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, a delightful twist on classic game-day favorites. These golden beauties are not only simple to make but are also a hit amongst both veggie lovers and carnivores alike! This easy weeknight dinner idea will have everyone reaching back for more, and it’s one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in no time at all. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family night, these wings are a guaranteed hit.

  • Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the beloved flavors of buffalo wings without the guilt! These cauliflower bites are crispy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

  • Customizable: Embrace your inner chef and switch up the flavors! There are countless variations to explore.

  • Easy to Make: You won’t need any fancy equipment or culinary prowess; just a willingness to get a little messy and have fun in the kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • 1 large cauliflower head
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Let’s Make It Together

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin this culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that crispy exterior we all love.

  2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Trim the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re even in size for uniform cooking.

  3. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. The batter should coat the back of a spoon.

  4. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are well coated. Let any excess drip off, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. Bake the Cauliflower: Drizzle a little olive oil over the coated cauliflower and pop them into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

  6. Buffalo Sauce Coating: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and immediately toss them in a bowl filled with buffalo sauce until they are completely coated in zesty goodness.

  7. Final Bake: Return the sauced cauliflower back to the baking sheet and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes for an extra crispy finish.

  8. Serve and Enjoy: Pull those delicious wings out of the oven, and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce (I recommend a creamy ranch or blue cheese)!

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Zesty Lemon Pepper: Swap buffalo sauce for a mild lemon pepper seasoning mixed with a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, tangy twist.

  • Garlic Parmesan: After baking, toss your cauliflower in melted butter and sprinkle generously with garlic and parmesan cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor.

  • Barbecue Style: Use your favorite barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky alternative. Perfect for a summer cookout vibe.

  • Honey Sriracha: For a sweet and spicy kick, mix honey with sriracha and coat your crispy cauliflower before the final bake.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make Ahead: You can coat the cauliflower ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

  • Storage: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness!

  • Gluten-Free Options: Use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a delightful gluten-free version.

  • Cutting Cauliflower: Use a sharp knife and cut through the stem at a 45-degree angle for more uniform florets.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg (depending on the sauce)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead?
    Absolutely! You can prepare the cauliflower and batter a day in advance.

  • Can I use different ingredients?
    Yes! Feel free to mix up the spices or try a different sauce for coating.

  • How do I store leftovers?
    Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • How long does it last?
    Enjoy these delicious wings fresh, but they can be refrigerated for a few days, though they are best when freshly made.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to gather, share, and create warm memories with those you love. Perfect for fall gatherings or even a cozy night in, they deliver comfort in every bite. Save this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat!

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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A healthier, crispy alternative to classic buffalo wings, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large cauliflower head
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Trim the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off.
  5. Place the coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. Remove from the oven and toss in a bowl with buffalo sauce.
  8. Return to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Make ahead, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian wings, healthy appetizers, comfort food

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