Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Printable version)

Crispy cauliflower coated with spicy Buffalo sauce, perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a tasty snack.

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

# Directions:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and allow to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
03 - Add plant-based milk and olive oil to the dry mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth, thick batter forms with no lumps.
04 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently with a spatula until all pieces are evenly and thoroughly coated.
05 - Transfer coated florets in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; prepare in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
06 - Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning until golden and crispy.
07 - While cauliflower cooks, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully combined and heated through.
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over the florets. Toss gently and carefully until all pieces are evenly coated.
09 - Return sauced cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes at 400°F for enhanced crispiness and sauce caramelization.
10 - Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks and desired accompaniments such as vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Healthier than deep-fried wings with all the flavor
  • Customizable heat level to suit your taste preferences
  • Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight snacking
  • Easy to make vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free
02 -
  • Pat cauliflower florets dry before coating to help the batter adhere better
  • Don't skip the second air fry after saucing—it locks in flavor and adds extra crispiness
  • Make the Buffalo sauce ahead and store refrigerated for up to a week
  • For meal prep, cook unsauced cauliflower and store separately, then sauce and reheat when ready to serve
  • Use fresh cauliflower for best texture—frozen can become too watery
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