Name: Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup buffalo sauce; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup celery sticks; 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’ve been craving a snack that totally nails that spicy, tangy, and crispy vibe without any meat, you are going to absolutely adore this Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe. These wings are the perfect plant-based alternative that bring all the excitement of traditional buffalo wings but with a tender, crunchy cauliflower twist. Drenched in a vibrant buffalo sauce and paired with cool, creamy ranch and crisp celery sticks, every bite is a flavor-packed celebration that’s as fun to make as it is to devour.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows nine small bowls and a white plate arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the top right, a white bowl is filled with large pieces of white cauliflower that have a bumpy texture. Below it, there is a small beige bowl with a square piece of yellow butter. To the left of the butter, a small white bowl holds a bright red powder, likely a spice. Next to it, on the left side, another small bowl contains a light brown powder. Above these, a slightly bigger beige bowl holds a golden amber liquid. On the top left, a larger beige bowl contains white flour with a fine texture. There are two small clear glass bowls each filled with a clear liquid, one above the white plate and one below the flour bowl. The white plate on the bottom left holds several long, light green celery sticks. At the bottom right, a deep white bowl with a dark rim is filled with a creamy white liquid. The arrangement is clean and organized, presenting different colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients couldn’t be simpler, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering the ultimate texture and flavor in this dish. From the hearty cauliflower base to the punchy spices and luscious ranch, every component is essential for that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and creamy goodness.

Cauliflower, 1 large head: Provides a tender yet crisp base for the wings when cut into bite-sized florets.
All-Purpose Flour, 1 cup: Forms the batter that sticks perfectly to each floret, ensuring a crispy coating.
Water, 1 cup: Helps create a smooth batter, making it easy to coat every cauliflower piece evenly.
Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon: Adds a savory, aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Onion Powder, 1 teaspoon: Balances the garlic with a subtle, sweet undertone for complexity.
Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Enhances color and introduces a mild warmth that complements the buffalo sauce.
Salt, 1 teaspoon: Sharpens all flavors, making every ingredient pop.
Buffalo Sauce, ¾ cup: The star of the show, delivering signature tangy heat that livens up the wings.
Melted Butter, 2 tablespoons: Softens the sauce and adds richness to coat the cauliflower flawlessly.
Celery Sticks, 1 cup: Served fresh for crunch and contrast, balancing the heat with coolness.
Ranch Dressing, ½ cup: Creamy, cooling dip that perfectly cuts through the spiciness.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and helps the cauliflower get that magical crisp without any fuss.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter—it should be thick enough to cling to the florets but still pourable.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure every part is nicely covered. Allow the excess batter to drip back into the bowl to avoid clumps, then arrange each battered floret in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This step is crucial for getting maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake the florets for 20 minutes, then carefully flip them over to expose all sides. Continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cauliflower emerges golden brown and crispy, just like you want your wings to be.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, mix together your buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Once the florets are out of the oven, gently toss them in this luscious sauce to coat every crispy surface with saucy goodness.

Step 6: Final Bake and Serve

Return the coated cauliflower to the oven for a quick 5-minute bake to set the sauce. Serve immediately alongside crunchy celery sticks and a generous cup of creamy ranch dressing. The combination is irresistibly good and will have everyone coming back for more.

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your cauliflower wings to restaurant-level presentation. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and brightness. A little cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lime on the side also brings extra zing that complements the rich buffalo flavor.

Side Dishes

While these wings work well solo or as a snack, pairing them with some vibrant sides makes for a fuller meal. Crisp garden salads, baked sweet potato fries, or a cool cucumber salad balance the heat perfectly. The freshness and crunch keep each bite exciting and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party or just want to mix things up, serve your Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe in mini mason jars with celery sticks poking out, or on a wooden board surrounded by colorful veggies. For a crowd pleaser, consider setting a DIY dipping station with extra ranch, blue cheese, and hot sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the ranch dipping sauce separate until ready to serve to maintain its fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the wings after baking but before coating them in buffalo sauce. Flash freeze the battered, baked cauliflower on a tray, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen and toss with sauce as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes to restore that crispiness. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can leave the coating soggy. After heating, toss with buffalo sauce again if needed and serve with fresh ranch.

FAQs

Can I make these wings vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the melted butter for a vegan alternative like margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free ranch for dipping. The flavor and texture will still be amazing.

Is it possible to make these wings gluten-free?

Yes, just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure to check your buffalo sauce and ranch for any hidden gluten ingredients.

How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower wings?

The heat level is moderate, offering a nice spicy kick without overwhelming your palate. You can adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to make it milder or hotter based on your preference.

Can I air-fry these instead of baking?

Definitely! Air frying at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, works well to achieve great crispiness while cutting down cooking time.

What’s the best way to cut the cauliflower for even cooking?

Try to break or cut the cauliflower into uniformly sized bite-sized florets. This ensures they cook evenly and develop that perfect crunch without some pieces overcooking or undercooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that delivers incredible flavor, satisfying crunch, and is surprisingly simple to make. The Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to wow friends, offer a delightful snack, or just treat myself to something deliciously different. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need