Ready to turn heads at your next get-together or just treat yourself to a crave-worthy snack? Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings check every box: crispy, saucy, and altogether addictive, all without the fuss of deep frying. This plant-powered take on classic wings might sound too good to be true, but trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! Whether you’re a cauliflower fan or a skeptical wing lover, this recipe brings bold flavor, finger-licking texture, and just the right amount of heat for the perfect appetizer or game day treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about this ingredient list — each one works hard to bring taste, crunch, and color to life. Whether it’s the fluffy florets or irresistibly spicy buffalo sauce, every component is essential for making these Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings truly awesome.
- Cauliflower: The hearty, blank canvas that crisps up beautifully and soaks up every last bit of that tangy sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the foundation for the batter, giving each floret a tender but sturdy exterior.
- Water: Loosens the batter just enough so it clings to each piece without being too heavy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth that lifts the whole flavor profile beyond plain veggies.
- Onion powder: Adds a savory, slightly sweet note that mimics classic wing seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Provides smoky warmth and a hint of color, making every bite more interesting.
- Salt: Balances everything out and sharpens the flavors.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and tiny bursts of brightness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a shatteringly crisp crust you won’t believe is air fried.
- Buffalo sauce: Tangy, spicy, and iconic – this is the flavor punch every wing fan dreams of.
- Melted butter or olive oil (optional): Adds a rich, lush finish to the buffalo sauce for extra indulgence.
How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings get an instant blast of heat for maximum crunch, so don’t skip it! While the fryer warms up, it’s a good time to chop your cauliflower into even-sized, bite-sized florets — this helps them cook evenly and makes sure each one gets perfectly coated.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The batter should be completely smooth, with no lumps. This is what’s going to give your cauliflower those deliciously clingy layers of flavor and help the crispy coating stick like a dream.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Now comes the fun part! Toss your cauliflower florets into the batter, stirring gently to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. The goal is for every piece to look like it just enjoyed a cozy, spicy bath. Don’t rush this — even coating is key for that signature wing crunch.
Step 4: Bread for Crunch
Pour your panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. One by one, take each battered floret and roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well. This double coating not only adds texture but guarantees your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings will be as golden and crispy as any restaurant order.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the breaded florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space so the air can circulate and do its magic. If needed, work in batches to avoid crowding. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until each wing is crisp and deeply golden. A light mist of oil before cooking can take the crunch over the top, but it’s totally optional!
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
While your cauliflower fries, gently warm the buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a saucepan for a luscious, clinging finish. When the wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce until fully coated. Serve hot, and get ready for the irresistible aroma to draw a crowd!
How to Serve Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Garnishes
To make your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings shine, finish them with a sprinkle of chopped chives, a smattering of fresh parsley, or even an extra pinch of smoked paprika. A squeeze of lemon can brighten things up, and don’t forget a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate dip.
Side Dishes
Serve your hot wings with classic celery and carrot sticks for that beloved crunch and coolness on the side. They also pair beautifully with loaded baked potatoes, garden salads, or hand-cut fries if you’re building a more substantial meal. Honestly, anything that soaks up a bit of extra sauce will be a hit!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, pile your wings onto a roomy platter with dipping bowls scattered around, or skewer them for a grab-and-go party snack. For a fun twist, try stuffing a few sauced wings in pita with greens and a drizzle of dressing for the best spicy “wrap” you’ve ever tasted.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings left (which is honestly rare!), pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty and crisp for up to two days, but for best results, keep the sauce separate and toss just before serving.
Freezing
Want to stash some for future cravings? Simply cool the cooked, unsauced wings completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month; just be sure to reheat from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your wings back to crispy perfection, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes. If you’ve frozen them, a slightly longer time (about 8–10 minutes) will do the trick. Once hot, toss in sauce and they’re ready to devour again.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Rice flour and gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes work beautifully without sacrificing that signature crunch.
How spicy are these wings with buffalo sauce?
The heat level is moderate, just right for most palates. If you love things extra spicy, add a dash of cayenne to the batter. Prefer it milder? Use a gentler wing sauce or go for barbecue or teriyaki instead.
Can I bake these cauliflower wings if I don’t have an air fryer?
You sure can! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a gorgeous crisp, even without the air fryer.
What’s the best way to keep Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings crispy for a party?
Keep the wings in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack to stay crisp until ready to serve. Wait to toss them in sauce until everyone’s hungry and it’s party time.
Can I use store-bought cauliflower florets?
No problem! Pre-cut florets from the produce section are a real time-saver. Just make sure they’re bite-sized and pat them dry before battering for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, healthy twist on a classic favorite, Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are about to become your go-to snack. Give them a try the next time cravings strike, and don’t be surprised if you start making “just one more batch.” Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a vegan twist on classic buffalo wings. Perfect for a party appetizer or a tasty snack, these cauliflower wings are coated in a crispy batter, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
Batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil (optional for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to make a smooth batter. Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter.
- Bread the cauliflower: Roll each coated floret in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Air fry: Arrange the breaded cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat the buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Toss in sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked, toss the wings in the warm sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrots.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded cauliflower with oil before air frying.
- You can use BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce instead of buffalo for a flavor variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
