Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Print Version)

Crispy cauliflower pieces air fried and coated in spicy Buffalo sauce, for a tasty plant-based 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

# How to Make It:

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 until evenly combined
03 - Pour plant-based milk and olive oil into the dry mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth, thick batter forms without lumps
04 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently using a spatula until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated
05 - Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap; prepare in batches if necessary
06 - Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until florets achieve golden and crispy texture
07 - While cauliflower cooks, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until well integrated
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over the florets, tossing gently to ensure complete coverage
09 - Return sauced cauliflower to air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness
10 - Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with celery sticks and preferred dipping sauce on the side

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get that satisfying crunch and spicy kick without any meat, in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
  • It works for plant-based diets, regular diets, game day parties, and those moments when you need finger food that doesn't feel guilty.
  • The air fryer does the heavy lifting, and watching them turn golden brown is oddly therapeutic.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the quickest way to disappointment; steam traps moisture and crispiness suffers, so cook in two batches if you need to.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking, because the side facing the heating element crisps first and needs a rotation to even out.
  • Room temperature or slightly warm batter clings better than cold, and mixing it right before coating makes a difference you can taste.
03 -
  • Preheating your air fryer might seem fussy, but those extra 2 minutes make the difference between soggy and spectacular, so don't skip it.
  • If your air fryer tends to cook hot spots faster than others, rotate the basket more frequently and trust your eyes over the timer.
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