Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Printer-friendly)

Golden cauliflower florets coated in spicy Buffalo sauce, air fried for a crunchy, plant-based snack.

# Required Ingredients:

→ 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
11 - 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and allow to preheat for 3 minutes
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper
03 - Pour plant-based milk and olive oil into the flour mixture and whisk until achieving a smooth, thick batter consistency
04 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated
05 - Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary
06 - Air fry for 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until florets are golden and crispy
07 - In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder, warming over low heat until ingredients are well blended
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over the wings, tossing gently to coat evenly
09 - Return sauced cauliflower wings to air fryer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness
10 - Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks and preferred dip such as vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Only 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time — dinner or a snack is on the table in 35 minutes.
  • Plant-based and crowd-pleasing: Vegetarian and easily made vegan or dairy-free with simple swaps, yet bold enough to win over any crowd.
  • Crispy without deep frying: The air fryer delivers a genuinely golden, crunchy coating using just a touch of olive oil.
  • Customizable heat: Use a milder or hotter hot sauce to dial the spice level up or down to your preference.
  • Allergen-adaptable: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use vegan butter and plant-based milk for a fully dairy-free and gluten-free version.
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches to ensure every floret crisps up evenly — overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying.
  • Shake halfway through: Shaking the air fryer basket at the midpoint of cooking ensures an even, golden crust on all sides.
  • Add panko for extra crunch: Stir 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs into the batter for an extra-crispy coating.
  • Return to the air fryer after saucing: The final 3–5 minutes in the air fryer after tossing in Buffalo sauce is what sets the sauce and brings back the crispiness.
  • Check your labels: Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens, especially when using store-bought hot sauce or plant-based milk.
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