Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Printer View)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower florets coated in tangy Buffalo sauce for a flavorful plant-based snack.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method steps:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and allow to preheat completely
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 until every piece is fully coated on all sides
05 - Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation
06 - Air fry for 15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through cooking until florets are golden brown and crispy
07 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder, stirring until fully incorporated and warm
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower florets to a large bowl and pour Buffalo sauce over them, tossing gently to ensure even coating
09 - Return the sauced cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness
10 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks and preferred dipping sauce

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without needing a deep fryer or tons of oil, making you feel less guilty about eating something this delicious.
  • The batter clings perfectly when you coat it right, creating those little crunchy bits that make each bite satisfying.
  • You can have them ready in under 40 minutes, which means last-minute dinner guests or sudden cravings are completely manageable.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the number one reason these turn out soft instead of crispy, so resist the urge to cook everything at once even though it feels inefficient.
  • The second sauce and toss step is where most people get impatient, but that 3 to 5 minute return trip to the air fryer actually matters and brings back the crunch you're craving.
03 -
  • Let your air fryer preheat completely so the batter sets immediately on contact, which is what creates that signature crispy shell instead of an oily, soft coating.
  • Pat your cauliflower florets dry before battering because excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness and will create steam that softens everything.
Return