If you're craving something spicy, crispy, and totally addictive, you’ve got to try this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. These gems bake up beautifully in the oven and bring all the tangy, zesty flavors of classic buffalo wings—but they're vegan and oh-so-satisfying.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with bright orange crispy bites, showing a rough, crunchy texture. In the center, there is a small white bowl with a creamy white dip sprinkled with black pepper. One orange crispy bite is partially dipped in the sauce, resting on top of the dip. Around the bowl, several fresh, green celery sticks lean inside and outside the bowl, their smooth texture and light green color contrasting with the orange bites. The dish is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I make these Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings whenever I want a game day snack or just something to nosh on while binge-watching my favorite shows. They’re spicy, crunchy, and ridiculously easy to whip up.

Deliciously Crispy: The panko coating plus a quick bake gives you that perfect crunch without frying.
Big Flavor, Low Fuss: The tangy buffalo sauce with a hint of maple syrup balances heat and sweetness beautifully.
Vegan & Inclusive: A tasty meatless option that even non-vegans devour happily.
Perfect for Parties: Makes about 30 wings — more than enough to share (or not!).

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to ingredients, keep things simple and quality-focused. I like to use a crisp, fresh cauliflower and a vinegar-based hot sauce for that authentic buffalo zing. The rest are pantry staples you might already have.

Flat lay of a medium fresh head of cauliflower, a small bowl of white flour, a small bowl of cornstarch, a small bowl of creamy vegan milk, a small bowl of coarse salt, a small bowl of ground black pepper, a small bowl of garlic powder, a small bowl of golden panko breadcrumbs, a small bowl of bright red vinegar-based hot sauce, a small bowl of melted vegan butter, and a small bowl of rich amber maple syrup, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cauliflower: The star of the show—choose a medium head for perfect bite-sized florets.
Flour: Helps build the batter that gives the wings a sturdy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crispness to the batter once baked.
Unsweetened vegan milk: Keeps it dairy-free while helping create a smooth batter.
Salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced flavor.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth both in the batter and the sauce.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crunch we all want.
Vinegar based hot sauce (like Frank's): Classic buffalo flavor with the right tang and spice.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the heat in the sauce.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the buffalo sauce subtly to balance the heat perfectly.
Prepared vegan ranch dip: The cooling partner in crime to these spicy wings.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or occasion. Whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or packed with herbs, these wings are a fantastic base to experiment with.

Adjust the Heat Level: I love cranking up the heat by adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the buffalo sauce for that fiery kick. If you prefer something milder, just reduce the hot sauce or add a bit more maple syrup to smooth it out.
Make it Gluten-Free: For those gluten-free friends, swapping the flour and panko for their gluten-free counterparts works wonderfully without sacrificing crispiness.
Herb-Infused Wings: I’ve tried adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or dried oregano into the breadcrumb mix before coating the florets — the subtle smoky-herbal note adds a delicious twist!
Seasonal Spin: Roasting some diced sweet potatoes or carrots alongside the cauliflower wings can add a lovely seasonal sweetness and variety to your snack plate.
Dipping Sauces Galore: While the cooling vegan ranch dip is a classic match, feel free to try garlic tahini sauce, vegan blue cheese dip, or even a tangy avocado crema for dipping fun.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

The image shows two parts: on the left, a black bowl filled with bright red sauce with three round, light brown, crumb-coated pieces floating in it and a golden spoon resting inside the bowl. On the right, a white baking tray lined with a brown mat holds nine pieces of red crumb-coated round food arranged in a scattered pattern. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. The colors are red, light brown, black, white, and gold, with a clear contrast between the red sauce and the crumb-coated pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower for Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit—that high heat is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden exterior. While it warms up, cut a medium head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, aiming for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Set them aside on a clean surface or bowl while you mix the batter.

Step 2: Whip Up That Perfect Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. These dry ingredients form the crispy coating’s base. Gradually pour in ¾ cup of unsweetened vegan milk while whisking to create a smooth, pancake-batter-like consistency. This batter will cling beautifully to each floret – if it feels too thick, add a splash more milk; too thin, a bit more flour.

Step 3: Coat Your Cauliflower with Care

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's fully covered, then roll it in 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated. The panko is what gives these wings that signature crunch. Place the coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out a bit so they crisp up rather than steam.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy and Golden

Bake your coated florets in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden color and the crispy texture—this step is where the wings really come to life. For extra crunch, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 5: Make Your Zesty Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, melt 1 tablespoon of vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ½ cup vinegar-based hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is combined and slightly thickened—this balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet is what makes these wings so addictive!

Step 6: Toss and Sauce

Once the cauliflower wings are baked, transfer them into a large bowl and pour your buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly so every floret is evenly coated with that sticky, spicy glaze.

Step 7: Final Bake for Flavor Infusion

Return the sauced wings to the baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. This final bake lets the sauce set properly, intensifying the flavors and giving the outside a delightful finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and serve these beauties hot with plenty of cooling vegan ranch dip on the side. Watch as they disappear quickly at any game day or snack craving—these wings deliver big on taste and crunch but stay wonderfully light and vegan-friendly.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crunch while keeping the tangy buffalo flavor is the magic behind this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe. Here are the tips I've learned to make them unbelievably tasty every time.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: I always find that panko breadcrumbs create the crispiest coating that really holds up inside and outside the oven. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t give the same satisfying crunch.
Don’t Skip Flipping Midway: Flipping the florets halfway through baking is a game changer. I used to skip it, but the wings didn’t get evenly browned. Now I turn them at 12 minutes and get perfect golden edges all around.
Balance the Buffalo Sauce Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup in the sauce depending on your heat tolerance. I usually start with 2 tablespoons and add more if I want a sweeter glaze to offset the vinegar’s kick.
Watch the Broil Carefully: If you decide to broil for extra crispiness, keep a close eye—no one enjoys burnt cauliflower! Just 1-2 minutes at the end is enough to get that final crisp without charring.

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe

A white plate holds a pile of bright orange crispy chicken bites with a rough, crunchy texture. Behind the chicken bites, there are fresh green celery sticks standing upright and a small white bowl filled with creamy white dip. Above the chicken bites, honey is dripping from a wooden honey dipper, catching the light as it flows down. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft grey cloth blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the wings for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few celery sticks on the side add a cool crunch that complements the spicy wings perfectly. For an extra touch, a little dusting of smoked paprika over the sauce amps up the smoky vibe.

Side Dishes

These wings shine alongside crisp, fresh salads, like a classic coleslaw or a zesty kale salad. Sweet potato fries or oven-roasted potato wedges make a hearty pairing, adding more comfort food vibes. And of course, don’t forget extra vegan ranch dip for dunking—it’s a must-have with spicy buffalo flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or a tasty addition to your next meal.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the baked and sauced wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing their texture or flavor.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy texture—oven reheating is the way to go!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives, and you’re good to go. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine.

What kind of hot sauce is best for the buffalo sauce?

A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot works best because it gives that classic tang and heat that's essential for buffalo flavor. Feel free to use any similar vinegar-based hot sauce you prefer.

Can I make the wings spicier?

Yes! Simply reduce the maple syrup for less sweetness and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the buffalo sauce to dial up the heat.

How do I keep the coating from getting soggy?

Baking at a high temperature (450°F) helps keep the coating crispy. Also, tossing them in the sauce just before the final bake and returning them to the oven allows the sauce to set without making the coating soggy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a flavorful, crispy snack that’s totally vegan and full of punchy buffalo flavor, this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe is your new best friend. They’re fun to make, share, and enjoy any time. So gather your friends or just treat yourself to this spicy, crispy delight you won’t stop thinking about!