Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Print)

Spicy cauliflower florets air fried to crispy perfection with tangy Buffalo sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower Wings

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk or regular milk
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Buffalo Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot
11 - 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Pour in the plant-based milk and olive oil. Whisk until you achieve a smooth, thick batter consistency.
04 - Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly until completely coated.
05 - Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
06 - Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are golden and crispy.
07 - Meanwhile, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup if desired, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until well combined.
08 - Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently to evenly coat.
09 - Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes for enhanced crispiness.
10 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks and your preferred dip such as vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and spicy while actually being good for you, which feels like getting away with something.
  • The air fryer does almost all the work, leaving you free to set up dips and grab drinks instead of standing over a stove.
  • Works perfectly for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone trying to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor or that addictive crispy-saucy texture.
02 -
  • Don't skip the shake halfway through cooking, because air fryers have hot spots and shaking ensures every piece browns evenly instead of some getting pale.
  • The sauce round at the end is what transforms crispy-on-the-outside into that addictive saucy-crispy texture, so don't skip it even though it seems like an extra step.
03 -
  • If you want extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs into your flour mixture, but don't skip the wet batter or the panko won't stick.
  • Pat your cauliflower dry after cutting it so the batter adheres better and doesn't slide around in the basket, which makes a huge difference in the final crisp.
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