If you’re craving the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings but want a healthier, vegetarian option, these air fryer cauliflower buffalo wings make a perfect choice.
Whether you’re preparing them as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress everyone, including non-vegetarians!
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, crispy air fryer cauliflower buffalo wings:
For the Wings:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative if preferred)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or a similar brand)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or a vegan alternative, like coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness (optional)
Serving:
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you perfectly crispy cauliflower.
Rinse and pat dry your cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Breading Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more water if needed; the batter should be thick enough to stick to the cauliflower but not too runny.
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them until each piece is well-coated with the batter. The seasoned batter adds a savory base to the cauliflower, making the final product extra flavorful.
Step 3: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they do not overlap.
If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the cauliflower for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 15 minutes, they should look golden brown and slightly crispy.
If you prefer extra crunch, you can air fry them for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (or maple syrup if you prefer a vegan alternative).
Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended.
For an extra-spicy kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes, then remove it from heat.
Step 5: Coat the Cauliflower with Buffalo Sauce
Once the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is fully coated. If you prefer, you can add the sauce gradually and toss in batches to control the spiciness.
Step 6: Air Fry Once More for Extra Crispiness
After coating the cauliflower with buffalo sauce, place it back into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5–7 minutes. This second round of air frying helps the sauce caramelize slightly, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Tips for the Best Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Use fresh cauliflower: Fresh, firm cauliflower gives the best texture for this recipe. Frozen cauliflower may turn mushy.
- Control the heat level: Adjust the spiciness by using a milder hot sauce or by adding a bit more honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Serve immediately: These wings taste best when served hot and fresh from the air fryer. Enjoy them right away for maximum crispiness!
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
To enjoy these cauliflower buffalo wings to the fullest, serve them with classic dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. These cool and creamy dips balance the heat from the buffalo sauce, creating a delicious contrast. You can also sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor.
For a complete appetizer platter, pair these buffalo cauliflower wings with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices. You could also serve them as a side dish with your favorite burger or sandwich for a fully satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love These Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
This recipe offers the same bold flavors you love in buffalo wings but with a healthier, vegetarian twist. By using an air fryer, you eliminate the need for excessive oil, making this a guilt-free snack or appetizer. Plus, the air fryer allows you to achieve that crave-worthy crispiness without the mess and calories associated with deep frying.
The result is a batch of buffalo wings that’s as tasty as it is nutritious, satisfying even the most skeptical eaters. The lightly battered cauliflower, coated in spicy buffalo sauce and air-fried to perfection, will quickly become a favorite among your family and friends.
Customization Ideas
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Add a BBQ twist: Mix half buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce for a milder, smoky flavor.
- Try a honey-garlic glaze: If you prefer less heat, coat the cauliflower in a mixture of honey and garlic instead of buffalo sauce.
FAQs
Can I Bake These Instead of Using an Air Fryer?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the cauliflower on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. After coating them in buffalo sauce, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F to restore crispiness.
Are These Vegan-Friendly?
You can make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based butter alternative and maple syrup instead of honey.
With this simple air fryer recipe, you’ll have crispy, tangy, and delicious cauliflower buffalo wings ready to serve in no time. Not only are these wings healthier than traditional buffalo wings, but they’re also packed with flavor and texture, making them a great addition to any gathering or meal.
