Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings.

Coated in a seasoned batter, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are the perfect appetizer or snack. They’re great for game days, parties, or whenever you’re craving something spicy and delicious without the guilt. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the ultimate experience!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Ingredients Overview

• Cauliflower: The main ingredient, providing a hearty, slightly crunchy base.
• Batter: A simple flour-based batter helps the buffalo sauce stick.
• Buffalo Sauce: Adds heat and tangy flavor to the wings.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For Serving

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water or milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Coat the Cauliflower
   Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing to coat evenly. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
3. Air Fry the Cauliflower
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce
   While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce and honey (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
   Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve
   Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of celery and carrot sticks. Enjoy your crispy, spicy cauliflower wings!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~150
• Fat: ~5g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Protein: ~4g

Expert Tips

• Extra Crispy Wings: Spray the cauliflower lightly with cooking spray before air frying to enhance crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the florets in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Mild or Spicy? Adjust the heat level by adding more or less buffalo sauce or mixing it with barbecue sauce for a milder version.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can air fry the cauliflower ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes before tossing in the buffalo sauce.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry completely before battering to prevent sogginess.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: It’s best to freeze them before tossing in buffalo sauce. Freeze battered and air-fried cauliflower, then reheat and coat with sauce when ready to serve.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• BBQ Cauliflower Wings: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweeter alternative.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated in a seasoned batter, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are the perfect appetizer or snack.

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Equipment

• - Air fryer
• - Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• - Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Cauliflower Wings
• - 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• - 1/2 cup water or milk dairy or non-dairy
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1 teaspoon onion powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• #### For the Buffalo Sauce
• - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter
• - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for a hint of sweetness
• #### For Serving
• - Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• - Celery sticks
• - Carrot sticks

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Batter**
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water or milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• **Coat the Cauliflower**
• Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing to coat evenly. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
• **Air Fry the Cauliflower**
• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• **Make the Buffalo Sauce**
• While the cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce and honey (if using). Remove from heat and set aside.
• **Toss in Buffalo Sauce**
• Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
• **Serve**
• Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of celery and carrot sticks. Enjoy your crispy, spicy cauliflower wings!