Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe

I’m really excited about trying out this air-fried buffalo cauliflower recipe because it’s like a spicy twist on a classic snack that makes me feel like a total kitchen boss even if I mess up every now and then.

I love making my Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings with bite-size cauliflower florets coated in a mix of all-purpose flour, water, garlic and onion powder. I toss them in buffalo hot sauce with melted butter.

I think the dish is fiber rich and lower in calories than traditional wings.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Full of fiber and vitamins that help you feel full and keep you healthy.
• Flour: Acts as a binding agent and adds mild carbohydrates for texture.
• Water/Milk: Moistens the batter; milk gives a richer taste if you use it.
• Buffalo Hot Sauce: Gives a tangy spicy kick that brings life to the wings.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps mellow some heat for balance.
• Garlic and Onion Powders: Boost savory flavor while onion powder adds extra depth.
• Cracked Black Pepper and Salt: Season the batter to bring out the overall flavours.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional but adds a subtle smoky twist if you like.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water (or milk if you prefer)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for extra flavour
• Optional: Cooking spray for the air fryer basket

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. In a bowl, mix the flour, water (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms.

3. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir until they are evenly coated.

4. Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray if you’re using it, then arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer.

5. Air fry the cauliflower for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to keep them crispy.

6. While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo hot sauce with melted butter and add the smoked paprika if you are using it.

7. Once the cauliflower is done, carefully transfer them to a large bowl.

8. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the hot cauliflower, tossing them until all pieces are well coated.

9. Optionally, return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes at 400°F to set the sauce.

10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or celery sticks. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (make sure it has a basket you can easily shake)
2. A large mixing bowl for creating the batter
3. Measuring cups for liquids and dry ingredients
4. Measuring spoons for garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
5. A whisk or fork to mix the batter until smooth
6. A spatula or large spoon to gently stir the cauliflower into the batter
7. A small bowl to mix together the buffalo hot sauce, melted butter, and smoked paprika
8. A large serving bowl to toss and serve the finished cauliflower

FAQ

• Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
  A: Yeah, it’s best to preheat the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes prior to cooking so your wings get nice and crispy.
• Q: Can I use milk instead of water?
  A: Sure, you can use milk if you want a creamier batter, it works just fine.
• Q: How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
  A: Keep an eye on them, they should be slightly browned and crisp on the edges around 15-20 minutes. You might need to shake the basket a couple times.
• Q: Can I use a different hot sauce?
  A: Absolutely, feel free to swap out the buffalo sauce with your fav spicy sauce, though the flavor might change a bit.
• Q: Is it necessary to use all-purpose flour?
  A: Not really, you could try other flours if you have dietary needs but all purpose works best for a nice crunchy coating.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have all-purpose flour, you can use chickpea flour or even almond flour for a different flavor twist
• Instead of water (or milk), try using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk which works great with the batter
• If you’re not big on buffalo hot sauce, you could substitute with a spicy sriracha mix with a little vinegar for tang
• You can swap unsalted butter with olive oil or vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy free option

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your air fryer is really preheated before you toss in the cauliflower. It helps them cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture so you dont end up with soggy pieces.
2. When you coat the florets with the batter, stir them good. If some pieces aren’t fully covered, they might not crisp up as well in the air fryer.
3. Dont overcrowd the basket! If the cauliflower is too piled up, it can steam instead of getting crunchy. It’s better to cook in batches if needed.
4. After tossing the cooked cauliflower in your buffalo sauce, try putting them back in the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes. It really helps set the sauce and adds an extra kick to the crunch.