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cauliflower wings recipe

Cauliflower Wings

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: International
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium  head of cauliflower
  • 1/2 cup  all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup  water
  • 1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  smoked paprika 
  • Salt and pepper
  • Chopped green onions 

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup  hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons  melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon  honey or maple syrup

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry your cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them until each piece is well-coated with the batter. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they do not overlap.
  4. If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  5. 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.

Make the Buffalo Sauce

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Notes

  • 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!