Name: Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based); 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil (optional for sauce)

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If you’re hungry for a snack that truly checks all the boxes—crispy, spicy, impossible to stop eating—look no further than Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings. This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into crunchy, golden morsels tossed in zippy buffalo sauce, all without ever touching a deep fryer. Whether you’re prepping for game day, planning a fun appetizer night, or simply want a healthier comfort food fix, Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings will win over anyone who loves big flavor and crave-worthy texture. They’re downright addictive, totally satisfying for vegans and non-vegans alike, and thanks to the air fryer, you’ll have a platter ready in under 40 minutes.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings is how simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create something genuinely special. Each component here brings a unique note, whether that’s crunch, color, or spicy personality—together, they make magic.

Cauliflower Florets: The star of the show—use a medium head, chopped into bite-sized pieces for ideal crispiness.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundation for the batter, making the wings delightfully fluffy inside.
Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth and that mouthwatering, savory umami.
Onion Powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to balance out the heat.
Smoked Paprika: Provides a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous golden color.
Salt: Intensifies all those bold flavors and keeps things lively.
Black Pepper: Offers just a touch of bite for balance.
Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based): The liquid that smooths out your batter and helps the coating cling.
Breadcrumbs (Panko or Regular): The finishing layer for unbeatable crunch; panko is extra crispy!
Buffalo Sauce: Spicy, tangy, and utterly essential—feel free to use store-bought or your go-to homemade.
Melted Butter or Oil (Optional): Blending this into your sauce gives a classic winghouse sheen and richness.

How to Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Step 1: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in your milk of choice and whisk vigorously until you’ve got a smooth, lump-free batter. This thick coating is what gives Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings that signature bite!

Step 2: Dip and Bread the Cauliflower

One by one, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off so you don’t end up with clumps. Now, roll each piece in breadcrumbs, covering every nook and cranny for a perfectly crunchy shell. Arranging a breading assembly line will speed things up, so don’t be shy about getting your hands a little messy—it’s the fun part!

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

Arrange your battered and breaded cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Give the pieces a bit of space so the hot air can work its magic on all sides. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When they turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp, they’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, gently warm your buffalo sauce together with butter or oil in a small saucepan or microwave. Once the florets have finished crisping, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the tangy, spicy sauce over top. Toss everything carefully (a big spoon helps!) until all the naan nuggets are perfectly coated with flavor. For maximum stickiness, pop the sauced wings back into the air fryer for about 5 more minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer your fully dressed Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings to a serving platter, and dig in while they’re piping hot and crispy. The crunch, zing, and tenderness will wow you from the very first bite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Garnishes

All great wings deserve a fresh flourish. Sprinkle your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings with chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even a dusting of sesame seeds. For extra zing, a squeeze of lemon or a little cracked black pepper wakes up all the flavors. And don’t forget dipping sauces—ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic for a reason.

Side Dishes

Balance the spice with cooling and crunchy sides. Celery and carrot sticks are a timeless pairing that also add vibrant color to your platter. A big crunchy slaw or a pile of sweet potato fries will round things out and help feed a crowd. If you want to lean extra-healthy, try pairing with a light cucumber salad or oven-roasted potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, pile your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings high on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for that “pub food” feel. For parties, serve them in mini paper baskets, sliders (tucked into soft buns with lettuce and creamy sauce), or even as a topping for a loaded salad bowl. Their bold color and golden crunch make them a gorgeous centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings tasting their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a bit of their signature crunch but will remain flavor-packed and snackable for lunchboxes and late-night cravings alike.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, let the wings cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. The wings will keep for up to a month—perfect for impromptu cravings or party prep.

Reheating

To bring back the crunch, reheat Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, shaking once or twice. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. You can also reheat in a hot oven on a wire rack until warmed through and re-crisped.

FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the texture spot-on while making Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings accessible to everyone.

Is there a way to make them less spicy?

For a milder option, simply use barbecue sauce instead of buffalo. You still get sticky, bold wings with less heat—perfect for kids or anyone sensitive to spice.

Which plant-based milks work best?

Any unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat) works great in the batter. Just avoid flavored or sweetened varieties so you don’t alter the overall taste of your Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

You sure can! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the wings in batches if needed so each piece crisps up perfectly and doesn’t steam.

How do I get them even crispier?

For ultimate crunch, use panko breadcrumbs, and try spraying the breaded florets lightly with oil before air frying. Returning the wings to the air fryer after tossing in sauce also helps lock in that dreamy crispiness Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are famous for.

Final Thoughts

I couldn’t be more excited for you to try these Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings—they truly deliver on flavor, crunch, and that classic wing experience in a veggie-packed package. Whether you’re putting together a party platter or looking for a spicy snack with a healthy twist, this recipe will keep you coming back for more. Go on, grab a floret, and join the fan club!

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Crispy and flavorful, these Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a delicious vegan and vegetarian appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Coated in a savory batter and tossed in buffalo sauce, these cauliflower wings are a healthier alternative to traditional chicken wings.

Ingredients

Scale

Batter:

1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Coating:

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter or oil (optional for sauce)

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
Coat Cauliflower: Dip each floret into the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Air Fry: Place coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Prepare Sauce: Warm buffalo sauce with melted butter or oil.
Toss and Serve: Transfer cooked cauliflower wings to a bowl, pour buffalo sauce over them, toss gently to coat. Return to air fryer for 5 minutes if desired. Serve hot.