Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, healthy, and addictive plant-based snack featuring crispy cauliflower florets coated in a vibrant, spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or guilt-free indulgence, this recipe delivers bold flavors with a crunchy texture without excess oil or heaviness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
For the Buffalo Sauce
- 4 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional for Serving
- Celery sticks
- Plant-based ranch dressing
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
- Smoked paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut your cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform cooking and perfect balance of crispy coating with tender vegetable inside.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, and natural gelling agent. Whisk until smooth and thick enough to generously coat each floret.
- Coat the Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then gently shake off excess to get an even coating that crisps up nicely without clumping or dripping.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, melt plant-based butter in a saucepan. Stir in hot sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently until flavors are well blended.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: When the florets are crispy, transfer them to a bowl and toss evenly with the warm buffalo sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and crispy, accompanied by celery sticks and plant-based ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired.
Notes
- Pat cauliflower dry before battering to help the batter adhere better and create an even crisp.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow and maximize crunchiness.
- Shake or flip the florets halfway through cooking to promote even browning without burning.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and vinegar in the buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice and tang levels.
- Enjoy the wings fresh and hot for the best crispy texture and vibrant sauce coating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Freeze cooked wings in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Air Fryer Recipes, Plant-Based Snacks, Vegan Appetizers, Healthy Snacks, Spicy Cauliflower
