Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (View Print Version)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower florets coated in zesty Buffalo sauce, ideal for a plant-based appetizer.

# 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
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

# Method:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and allow it to heat 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 - Pour plant-based milk and olive oil into the flour mixture. Whisk vigorously until a smooth, thick batter forms with no lumps.
04 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is completely coated.
05 - Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
06 - Air fry for 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until florets turn golden and crispy.
07 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Stir until completely blended and warmed through.
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
09 - Return sauced cauliflower wings to air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes at 400°F to restore crispiness.
10 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks and preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy without deep frying, which means you can eat guilt-free and still feel like you're having something indulgent.
  • Buffalo sauce addiction without the heaviness of actual wings—your taste buds win, your body thanks you later.
  • Ready in 35 minutes total, so they're perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings on a weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip the halfway shake in the air fryer; florets on the bottom steam while the top ones crisp if you don't move them around.
  • The second round in the sauce makes all the difference—it seals in the flavor and keeps the coating from getting soggy while still staying crispy.
  • If your cauliflower wings turn out soft instead of crunchy, your batter was probably too thick or your florets were overcrowded; learn from it and adjust next time.
03 -
  • Pat your cauliflower florets completely dry before battering; any water on the surface will mess with your crispy coating and create steam instead of crunch.
  • Don't open the air fryer mid-cook just to peek; let it do its job undisturbed except for that important halfway shake, and you'll get better results every single time.
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