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Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Snacks/Appetizers

Description

Crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are the ultimate plant-based snack or appetizer. Perfectly air-fried until golden and coated in a zesty Buffalo sauce, they offer all the bold flavors of traditional wings—without the meat. Quick, easy, and completely customizable, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Buffalo sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for mixing with Buffalo sauce)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket.
  2. Prepare the Batter – In a bowl, mix the flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower – Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off excess batter.
  4. Air Fry the Cauliflower – Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden and crispy.
  5. Coat in Buffalo Sauce – In a separate bowl, mix the Buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted butter. Toss the crispy cauliflower wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Final Air Fry – Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for 3-5 more minutes for extra crispiness.
  7. Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite dip!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add breadcrumbs to the batter before air frying.
  • If you prefer baked cauliflower wings, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes.