Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a fun and tasty snack made from cauliflower instead of chicken. The cauliflower is cut into small bite sized florets, dipped in a seasoned batter, baked or air fried until crispy, then tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and finished with melted cheese. They look like wings, taste bold and zesty, and have a crunchy outside with a soft, tender inside. Even people who don’t usually like vegetables are often surprised by how good they are.
This recipe is popular because it gives you the big flavor of buffalo wings but in a lighter, veggie-based version. They are great for parties, game days, movie nights, or after-school snacks. You can make them mild or extra spicy depending on your taste. They are also easier to cook than traditional wings and don’t require deep frying, which makes them perfect for home cooks of any age.
Why You Should Try the Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
You should try Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings because they are crispy, cheesy, spicy, and super fun to eat. They turn a simple vegetable into something exciting. This recipe is great for kids and adults, and it’s a smart way to add more vegetables to your meals without feeling bored. The cheesy topping helps balance the spicy buffalo sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Another great reason to make them is how flexible the recipe is. You can bake them or air-fry them. You can change the spice level, switch the cheese, or add extra seasonings. They are also budget-friendly and cook faster than meat wings. If you want a crowd-pleasing snack that feels special but is still simple, this is a perfect recipe to start with.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Here is everything you need to make Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings:
For the cauliflower:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour
- 1 cup milk regular or plant milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the buffalo coating:
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
For the cheesy finish:
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix
Optional toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Extra cheese
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Step 1
Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into small florets about the size of chicken wings. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is easier later.
Step 2
In a large bowl, mix the flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick like pancake batter. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk. If it feels too thin, add a spoon of flour. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently stir until each piece is fully coated. Take your time so every piece gets covered this helps create a crispy crust.
Step 3
Place each coated floret on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between them so they can crisp up instead of steaming. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through so both sides get golden and slightly crunchy. You should see the edges getting lightly browned.
Step 4
While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter or oil in a separate bowl. This makes the sauce smoother and helps it stick better. When the cauliflower comes out of the oven, carefully transfer the hot florets into the sauce bowl and toss gently until fully coated.
Step 5
Put the coated cauliflower back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each piece. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges look crispy again. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth. Serve warm with your favorite dip.
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or tongs for tossing
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for sauce and cheese
- Oven or air fryer
Tips and Variation Ideas
Use pre-cut cauliflower to save time.
Use an air fryer at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Add a little cornstarch to the batter for extra crunch.
Mix two cheeses for better flavor and melt.
What can I serve with this Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings ?
I often serve this Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings as a side dish with various meals such as salad, pasta, and other dishes. I also serve it with drinks like fruit juice or orange juice, and sometimes I like to enjoy it on its own as well.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make them in an air fryer ?
Yes. Air frying makes them extra crispy and faster to cook.
How do I make them crispier ?
Add a little cornstarch to the batter and space pieces apart on the pan.
How long do leftovers last ?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What is the best way to reheat them ?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispiness.
Can I freeze them ?
Freezing is not recommended because they become soft after thawing.
Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Course: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes220
kcal50
minutesCheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are crispy baked cauliflower bites coated in spicy buffalo sauce and topped with melted cheese. They are fun, flavorful, and a great veggie snack for parties or family movie nights.
Ingredients
1 large head of cauliflower
1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten free flour
1 cup milk regular or plant milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix
Chopped green onions
Extra cheese
Ranch or blue cheese dip
Directions
- Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into small florets about the size of chicken wings. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is easier later.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. The batter should be thick like pancake batter. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk. If it feels too thin, add a spoon of flour. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently stir until each piece is fully coated. Take your time so every piece gets covered this helps create a crispy crust.
- Place each coated floret on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between them so they can crisp up instead of steaming. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, turning them halfway through so both sides get golden and slightly crunchy. You should see the edges getting lightly browned.
- While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter or oil in a separate bowl. This makes the sauce smoother and helps it stick better. When the cauliflower comes out of the oven, carefully transfer the hot florets into the sauce bowl and toss gently until fully coated.
- Put the coated cauliflower back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each piece. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges look crispy again. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth. Serve warm with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix buffalo sauce with a little butter to smooth the heat.
- Air fry for faster and crispier results.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer not microwave to keep crisp.
