Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings

$- Cauliflower florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish To make these BBQ cauliflower wings, you need a medium head of cauliflower. Cut it into florets. Make sure they are all about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. For the batter, mix flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives the wings a tasty crunch. You can use any BBQ sauce you like. Homemade or store-bought, both work great. Finally, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make a lovely garnish. They add color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your cooking and get ready for some delicious wings! Start by rinsing the cauliflower under cold water. This step removes dirt and gives a fresh taste. Next, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for a uniform size. When all pieces are even, they cook evenly. This helps avoid any burnt or undercooked parts. In a large bowl, mix the flour and plant-based milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything. You want a smooth batter with no lumps. The right consistency should be creamy. If it's too thick, add a bit more milk. If it's too thin, add a little flour. Take each floret and dip it into the batter. Make sure to coat all sides well. This gives the wings a nice crunch. Allow any excess batter to drip off. Place the coated florets on a plate. Avoid piling them too high to keep them from getting soggy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 3-5 minutes. Once it's hot, lay the battered cauliflower in the basket. Keep them in a single layer. This helps them crisp up nicely. Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown color to know they’re ready. When the wings finish cooking, take them out carefully. Transfer them back to your mixing bowl. Drizzle BBQ sauce over them. Gently fold to coat each piece evenly. Timing is key here. After coating, return them to the air fryer for another 3-5 minutes. This caramelizes the sauce, making it sticky and delicious. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the wings on a serving platter. Garnish them with chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds a pop of color. You can serve them with your favorite dips or sides for a complete meal. Enjoy these tasty bites! To get that perfect crispy texture, preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps the wings cook evenly and form a nice crust. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This simple step makes a big difference in texture. When placing the cauliflower in the basket, leave space between each piece. This allows hot air to flow around the wings, making them crispier. If the wings touch, they will steam instead of fry. Aim for a single layer, and you’ll achieve great results. You can easily adjust the spice levels in your batter. Want it spicier? Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of smoked paprika. You can also switch up the BBQ sauce. Try different brands or homemade versions for unique flavors. A tangy sauce can give a nice kick, while a sweet sauce adds depth. Experiment until you find your favorite! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. When you pack too many wings in, they don’t cook evenly. Always leave space for the hot air to circulate. Another mistake is not having a smooth batter. Lumpy batter can lead to uneven coating. Make sure to whisk your ingredients well until the batter is creamy and free of lumps. This helps the wings stay coated and delicious! {{image_4}} You can easily make these BBQ cauliflower wings vegan and gluten-free. Instead of all-purpose flour, use chickpea flour or almond flour. Both options give a nice texture. For milk, choose almond, soy, or oat milk. They all work well in the batter. When picking BBQ sauce, check labels for gluten-free options. Many sauces are vegan already, but it's wise to read the ingredients. Some brands use honey, which is not vegan. Make sure to find one that fits your diet. Boring batter is not an option! You can spice things up by adding more flavors. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or a bit of cumin for earthiness. A dash of Italian herbs also adds a nice twist. Once your wings are cooked, you can experiment with sauces. Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce or a spicy garlic sauce. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combination. The options are endless! These BBQ cauliflower wings taste great with sides. Serve them with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggie sticks. They also pair well with sweet potato fries for a fun twist. For dips, ranch or blue cheese dressing is classic. You can also try a zesty yogurt dip or a spicy sriracha mayo. These dips add extra creaminess and flavor, making your meal even better. To keep your BBQ cauliflower wings fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Ensure the wings cool down to room temperature before sealing the container. This way, moisture won’t build up inside. Store them in the fridge. They stay good for up to three days. When reheating, use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Air fry for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness. If you use a microwave, the wings may turn soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat on low power for short bursts. Always check the wings to avoid overheating. You can also freeze your BBQ cauliflower wings. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. For cooking, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cook straight from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help bring back that crispy texture. Cook cauliflower in an air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes. The cooking time can change based on the floret size. For smaller pieces, aim for 12 minutes. For larger pieces, stick closer to 15 minutes. Always shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want those bites crispy and golden brown. Yes, you can prepare these wings in advance. Cook the cauliflower and toss it in the BBQ sauce. Then, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them back into the air fryer for a quick reheat. This way, you save time and still get great flavor. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for these wings! I recommend brands like Sweet Baby Ray's for a sweet touch or Stubb's for a tangy kick. If you like a smoky flavor, try a sauce with chipotle. Homemade BBQ sauce is also a great option if you want to control the ingredients. Yes, fresh cauliflower works great! It usually has a better texture than frozen. Make sure to rinse and cut it into even florets. This helps them cook uniformly. Frozen cauliflower may need longer cooking time due to moisture content, but fresh is always a tasty choice. These BBQ cauliflower wings are a healthier option than traditional wings. They are lower in calories and full of nutrients. Cauliflower is high in fiber and vitamins. While the batter adds some carbs, it balances out with the veggies. Serve with a nice salad for a complete meal. You now have a clear guide on making delicious BBQ cauliflower wings. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for best results, and variations for dietary needs. Remember to avoid overcrowding the air fryer for crispiness. Use the right batter consistency, and don’t skip on garnishes to make your dish shine. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sauces. These tips will help you create a tasty, healthy snack that everyone can enjoy!$

Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Discover the ultimate Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings recipe that's bursting with flavor and healthy goodness! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to turn simple cauliflower into a deliciously crispy snack perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this plant-based treat. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a guilt-free, mouthwatering appetizer!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower under cold water to remove any dirt. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Place the cut florets in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Make the Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter with a creamy consistency.

Coat the Cauliflower: Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is thoroughly coated on all sides. For best results, allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the coated florets on a clean plate.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reach the desired temperature for optimal crispiness.

Air Fry the Cauliflower: Carefully place the battered cauliflower wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The wings should turn golden brown and crispy.

Add BBQ Sauce: Once the cauliflower wings have finished cooking, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them back to the mixing bowl. Drizzle your chosen BBQ sauce over the cauliflower and gently fold them to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.

Final Air Fry: Place the sauced cauliflower wings back into the air fryer basket. Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes to help caramelize the BBQ sauce, resulting in a deliciously sticky finish.

Serve: Carefully arrange the BBQ cauliflower wings on a serving platter. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch and added freshness.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4