How to Make Spicy Cauliflower Wings: Great Appetizer Recipe
Add a touch of heat to your appetizers with this delicious recipe for how to make spicy cauliflower wings. These are a simple recipe to make perfect for game day or parties.
If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to classic buffalo wings, spicy cauliflower wings are the ultimate choice. Packed with bold flavors, a crispy texture, and a spicy kick, they’re a hit for game days, parties, or even weeknight dinners.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the recipe, explain why you’ll love these wings, and share tips for storage, variations, and creative ways to serve them. Let’s dive into the delicious world of spicy cauliflower wings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bursting with Flavor
These spicy cauliflower wings deliver the perfect combination of crispy coating, tender cauliflower, and a fiery sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The batter, made with almond flour and arrowroot starch, creates a light and crispy texture, while the coconut milk and hot sauce infuse the wings with rich, spicy flavors. Whether you’re a heat lover or someone who enjoys bold seasoning, these wings won’t disappoint.
2. A Healthier Alternative
For those seeking a lighter, plant-based snack, spicy cauliflower wings are the answer. Unlike traditional wings, they’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice without compromising on taste. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients from the cauliflower, this dish allows you to indulge guilt-free while staying on track with your dietary goals.
What Are Spicy Cauliflower Wings?
Spicy cauliflower wings are a plant-based spin on the popular buffalo chicken wings. They’re made by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned batter, baking them to crispy perfection, and tossing them in your favorite hot sauce or wing sauce. These wings are perfect for anyone looking for a meat-free option that still packs a punch.
Their versatility also makes them a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these wings are perfect for gatherings, tailgates, or even casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious wings:
- 12 oz cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup almond flour (for a crispy coating)
- 3 tbsp arrowroot starch (to help the batter stick)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (to enhance crispiness)
- 1/3 cup coconut milk (for a creamy, rich texture)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 cup of your favorite wing sauce (for tossing)
How to Make Spicy Cauliflower Wings
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and set it aside.
2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and baking powder. Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3: Add coconut milk and hot sauce to the dry mixture. Whisk until a smooth batter forms.
4: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Toss until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
5: Place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out for even cooking.
6: Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
7: Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Toss them with 1/2 cup of your favorite wing sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Where to Serve Spicy Cauliflower Wings
Spicy cauliflower wings are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
- Game Day Gatherings: Perfect for serving alongside other finger foods like chips, dips, and sliders.
- Appetizer Platters: Add these wings to a platter with celery sticks, carrots, and a creamy ranch or blue cheese dip.
- Casual Dinners: Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a light and satisfying meal.
- Potlucks and Parties: These wings are always a hit and can easily be reheated if needed.
Variations for the Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to try:
- Mild and Sweet: Use a honey BBQ or teriyaki sauce instead of hot sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Extra Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or use a spicier sauce like sriracha or ghost pepper sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all your ingredients, especially the hot sauce, are certified gluten-free.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the wings in an air fryer at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter and coat the cauliflower in advance, then store the coated florets in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when needed.
Common Questions About Spicy Cauliflower Wings
1. Can I make these wings vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and almond flour.
2. What sauce works best for spicy cauliflower wings?
Classic buffalo sauce is a favorite, but you can experiment with BBQ, teriyaki, or even a garlic parmesan sauce.
3. Can I freeze spicy cauliflower wings?
It’s best to freeze the coated, unbaked cauliflower florets. When ready to use, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Are spicy cauliflower wings healthy?
Yes! They’re baked instead of fried, made with wholesome ingredients, and packed with nutrients from the cauliflower.
5. How do I make them crispier?
For extra crispiness, ensure the florets aren’t overcrowded on the baking sheet, and flip them halfway through baking.
Spicy Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 3 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ cup of your favorite sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together almond flour, arrowroot, garlic, onion, salt and baking powder until well incorporated.
- Whisk in coconut milk and hot sauce.
- Put cauliflower into batter and toss to coat the cauliflower in the batter.
- Place the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the wings are browned and crispy.
- Transfer hot wings into a large bowl and toss with your favorite sauce.
Notes
Conclusion
Spicy cauliflower wings are the perfect plant-based appetizer or snack that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game day spread, or looking for a fun dinner idea, these wings are sure to impress.
Ready to spice things up in the kitchen? Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this post with friends and family who love bold and flavorful dishes.
Happy cooking!
More Delicious Appetizers to Try:
Please pin this post for later and follow along on Pinterest:
Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
