Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a spicy, crispy, and plant-based snack made with tender cauliflower florets coated in a zesty natural buffalo sauce. Perfectly air fried for a guilt-free indulgence, these wings deliver bold flavor, a crunchy texture, and customizable heat levels. Ideal for gatherings or a quick snack, they are wholesome, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk
Optional Variations
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes (natural) for extra heat
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (natural) or agave nectar (natural) for sweet and spicy
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for herb-infused batter
- Gluten-free flour blend to substitute all-purpose flour for gluten-free option
- Crumbled plant-based cheese (plant-based) for cheesy twist
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into fairly uniform bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and a perfect crispy texture.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and thick enough to coat the florets well.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Place coated florets on a lined tray or plate to prepare for air frying.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine hot sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of plant-based milk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Wings in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the air-fried cauliflower to a large bowl and gently toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated with the spicy, tangy sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings immediately. Garnish with finely chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired. Serve with your favorite dips and sides.
Notes
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture and crispiness after air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crunch.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce spice level by adding less or more hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to get uniform browning.
- Let the wings rest for a minute or two after air frying before tossing in sauce to allow them to crisp fully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezing, freeze cooked wings on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat frozen or refrigerated wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower wings, air fryer snack, plant-based wings, spicy cauliflower, crispy vegan wings, gluten free appetizer
