These Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic wings. Perfectly coated and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, they’re ideal for game day, snacking, or a guilt-free treat.

Plate of crispy Buffalo Wild Wings-style cauliflower wings coated in tangy buffalo sauce, garnished with parsley and served with dipping sauce.
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If you love the bold, tangy flavors of Buffalo Wild Wings but want a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option, these cauliflower wings are your new go-to snack.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in that signature spicy buffalo sauce, they deliver all the flavor without the chicken.

Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight treat, these wings are easy to make at home and will impress both veggie lovers and meat-eaters alike.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy and Flavorful: The cauliflower gets perfectly crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: Enjoy all the classic buffalo wing flavors without meat.
  • Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce spice level to suit your taste.

Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wing Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Cauliflower florets – fresh, firm cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • All-purpose flour – light flour for creating a crispy coating
  • Cornstarch – helps batter crisp up when baked or fried
  • Baking powder – leavening agent for light, airy batter
  • Salt – enhances flavor of both batter and cauliflower
  • Black pepper – freshly ground for subtle heat and depth
  • Garlic powder – adds savory, aromatic undertones to the coating
  • Paprika – smoky spice to give a mild, rich flavor
  • Milk or plant-based milk – moistens batter for smooth consistency
  • Buffalo sauce – tangy, spicy sauce for coating crispy wings
  • Butter – optional, melted to mix with buffalo sauce

How To Make Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Making the BBQ Sauce.

Step One: Wash and cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Gradually add milk, mixing until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.

Mixing flour, cornstarch, and spices with milk to create smooth cauliflower wing batter.

Step Three: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter.

Step Four:

  • To bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
  • To air fry: Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Air Frying cauliflower.

Step Five: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter with buffalo sauce. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.

Cooked cauliflower tossed in melted butter and buffalo sauce until coated.

Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe Tips

  • Don’t skip drying the cauliflower – Pat florets completely dry before battering; excess moisture prevents crispiness.
  • Use cornstarch in the batter – This helps create a light, crunchy coating similar to the restaurant version.
  • Air fryer vs. oven – Air frying gives the crispiest texture, but you can bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if needed.
  • Flip halfway through – Ensures even cooking and golden brown color on all sides.
  • Customize your sauce – Adjust heat by mixing hot sauce with melted butter, honey, or garlic for different flavor profiles.
  • Serve immediately – These wings are best fresh and crispy; leftover wings will soften.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

  • Storing: Place cooled cauliflower wings in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in an air fryer rather than the microwave.
  • Freezing: Lay wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; store for up to 1 month.
  • Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy. If using an oven, bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crunchiness.
Make crispy, tangy Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for air frying or baking for a healthy appetizer or snack.

Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe Faqs

Can I bake the cauliflower wings instead of air frying? Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

Can I make these wings ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prep the cauliflower and batter a day in advance. Store the raw, coated florets in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to cook.

How spicy are these wings? The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. For a milder version, use a medium or mild buffalo sauce; for more heat, go with a hot sauce or add extra cayenne to the batter.

Can I freeze the cooked cauliflower wings? Yes. Cooked cauliflower wings can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crispy.

What can I serve with these wings? They’re great with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

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Plate of crispy Buffalo Wild Wings-style cauliflower wings coated in tangy buffalo sauce, garnished with parsley and served with dipping sauce.

Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

These Buffalo Wild Wings Cauliflower Wings are crispy, spicy, and perfect for a healthy twist on classic wings. Air-fried or baked, they’re coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, ideal for game day, parties, or weeknight snacks.

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/4 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, adjust heat to taste

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Gradually add 3/4 cup milk mixing until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off excess batter.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  • In a separate bowl, combine melted 3 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce Toss the cooked cauliflower wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. Enjoy hot and crispy!

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 8gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 1950mgPotassium: 549mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 461IUVitamin C: 69mgCalcium: 274mgIron: 3mg

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