Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Printable version)

Crispy air fried cauliflower bites coated in flavorful Buffalo sauce for a spicy, plant-based snack.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 (Frank's RedHot or similar)
11 - 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow to reach temperature.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Pour plant-based milk and olive oil into the dry mixture. Whisk vigorously until achieving a smooth, thick batter consistency.
04 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
05 - Distribute coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Work in batches if necessary.
06 - Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until golden brown and crispy.
07 - In a small saucepan over low heat, combine hot sauce, melted butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Stir until fully blended and warm.
08 - Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour Buffalo sauce over the wings and gently toss until evenly coated.
09 - Return sauced cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to enhance crispiness.
10 - Transfer to a serving plate and present immediately alongside celery sticks and preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, and ready in under 40 minutes total.
  • Buffalo sauce makes even the skeptics forget they're eating vegetables, trust me.
  • One air fryer basket means less cleanup and more time enjoying what you made.
02 -
  • Overcrowding the air fryer basket is the number one reason they come out steamed instead of crispy, so work in batches if needed.
  • The second air fry with sauce only takes a few minutes, but it's what transforms these from good to unforgettable.
03 -
  • Pat your cauliflower florets dry before battering them; any moisture on the surface steams instead of crisps.
  • The second air fry step is non-negotiable if you want them to stay crispy for more than five minutes.
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