Description
A healthy, vegan-friendly alternative to fried wings, these baked cauliflower bites are coated in a crispy cornstarch batter and tossed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce for a crunchy, addictive appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium cauliflower head (about 2–2.5 lbs / 900g-1.1kg)
- 1 cup water (for soaking)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water or sparkling water
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)
- Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the cauliflower, remove leaves, and cut into bite-sized florets (approx. 1.5 inches). Soak in water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat very dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the water (or sparkling water) with a pinch of salt.
- Toss dried cauliflower florets in the dry flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the wet batter, letting excess drip off, and place on the baking sheet in a single layer without touching.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- While cauliflower bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in Frank’s RedHot, vinegar, and garlic powder until combined and warm.
- Remove cauliflower from oven and immediately transfer to a large bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over and toss gently to coat.
- Return to baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to set sauce. Garnish with green onions and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Ensure cauliflower florets are completely dry before coating to prevent soggy batter. Do not crowd the pan; bake in two rounds if necessary. For extra crispiness, use sparkling water in the batter. Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes; avoid the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, baked cauliflower, healthy appetizer, vegan wings, gluten-free snack, game day food, spicy cauliflower, crispy baked vegetables