Make Riley’s Cauliflower Wings Your New Game Day Favorite

The Sunday of the big game is perhaps only second to Thanksgiving when it comes to shoving as many carbs into our maws as possible. One of the secrets to not waking up with a hog fat hangover is to opt for at least one appetizer that—under some light scrutiny—could count as healthy. Playboy Club Model Riley’s spicy cauliflower wings are surprisingly satisfying, even if you’re an unapologetic carnivore.

Riley’s Spicy Cauliflower Wings Recipe

“These are super easy and spicy cauliflower wings that are a great alternative or addition to buffalo chicken wings,” Riley told PLAYBOY.

I know what you’re thinking. “Why would I ever eat cauliflower?” And if this was three years ago, I’d be inclined to agree. Normally, this white vegetable is only palatable smothered in cheese. But there’s something magical that happens when you fry or air fry these “nuggets,” smother them in hot sauce, and dip them in ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

Cauliflower’s bland earthiness goes nutty and super savory when fried, and snacking on these “wings” may just give you a little smug satisfaction. Are they healthy? The judge is out on that. But what they are is incredibly delicious. I’ve yet to find even one voracious carnivore who doesn’t also love cauliflower wings.

Ingredients: 

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• ½ cup chickpea flour (can use regular too)
• ¼ cup milk of your choice
• ¼ cup hot sauce 
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• Ranch to dip

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking tray with tin foil and spray it with cooking oil. 
2. Cut cauliflower into bite sized pieces and put them into a bowl and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl whisk flour, milk, hot sauce, all spices and oil/butter together. 
4. Pour the batter over the cauliflower pieces and toss until combined. 
5. Bake in the oven for around 40 minutes and flip the pieces half way through. 
6. Transfer pieces to a plate and brush each one with extra hot sauce. Serve with ranch.

Riley is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.