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To make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, you will need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup plant-based milk (or regular milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup buffalo sauce - Cooking spray You can add extra flavors to your wings. Consider these options: - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor - 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for freshness Serve your buffalo cauliflower wings with these tasty sides: - Crunchy celery sticks for a fresh bite - Carrot sticks for extra crunch - Creamy ranch dressing or zesty blue cheese for dipping These additions and sides make your dish more fun and flavorful! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, rinse the cauliflower under cold water. This step removes any dirt or debris. Next, chop the head into small, bite-sized florets. Make sure they are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with the spices. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they blend well. Gradually pour in one cup of plant-based milk or regular milk. Whisk continuously until you create a smooth and creamy batter. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about five minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing them in the air fryer. Arrange the florets in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Once golden brown and crispy, transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat. Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer for an extra five minutes. This step helps the sauce stick. Finally, carefully remove the wings and let them cool for a bit before serving. To get that perfect crunch, make sure your cauliflower is dry. After rinsing, pat it down with a paper towel. This helps the batter stick better. When coating the florets, don't rush. Let the excess batter drip off before placing them in the air fryer. This step is key for crispiness. Air fry in a single layer; overcrowding makes them steam instead of crisp. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper to the batter. A teaspoon will really amp it up. For a milder dish, reduce the buffalo sauce. You can use a mix of buffalo sauce and regular sauce to balance the heat. This way, you can adjust to your taste and that of your guests. One big mistake is not preheating the air fryer. This step is essential for even cooking. Another common error is overcooking the cauliflower. Keep an eye on them. If they start to burn, lower the cooking time next time. Finally, don’t skip the tossing step after air frying. This ensures each wing is fully coated in flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a fresh medium head of cauliflower that is firm and free from blemishes; this ensures the best texture and flavor. Perfect the Batter: Make sure the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the florets well. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency. Preheat for Crispiness: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking; this helps the cauliflower wings to become crispy and golden brown. Customize Your Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing or use a milder hot sauce for a more balanced flavor. {{image_4}} Buffalo sauce is not just one flavor. You can choose many types to spice up your wings. Try honey buffalo for a sweet twist. Add some ranch or blue cheese dressing for creaminess. You can even mix in chipotle for a smoky flavor. Experiment with different heat levels too. Use mild, hot, or extra hot sauce based on your taste. If you prefer a gluten-free version, you have options. Swap out regular flour for almond flour or chickpea flour. These alternatives give a nice crunch and flavor. Make sure to check the buffalo sauce label. Some sauces may contain gluten, so pick a brand that is gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Breading can be fun to change. Instead of flour, use crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. You can also coat the florets in panko breadcrumbs. This gives a lovely texture that contrasts well with the sauce. For a lighter option, try skipping the batter entirely. Just toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce before air frying. Each method offers a unique taste and texture. To keep your buffalo cauliflower wings fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before you seal the container. This helps prevent moisture from making them soggy. For the best taste, reheat the wings in your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. If you use a microwave, they may turn soft. You can freeze the wings if you have extra. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make buffalo cauliflower wings without an air fryer. You can bake them in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After coating the florets in batter, place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method will still give you crispy wings, but they may not be as quick to cook. If you want to avoid flour, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour. Both options are gluten-free and still provide a nice texture. You can also use cornmeal for a crunchier coating. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. Always check for allergies if you are cooking for others. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer or oven. This will help restore their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You learned how to make tasty buffalo cauliflower wings. We covered the full ingredient list, step-by-step cooking guides, and helpful tips. You can explore different flavors and options, ensuring everyone gets what they like. Remember, avoiding common mistakes leads to the perfect, crispy wings. Proper storage lets you enjoy these treats later. With this knowledge, you can impress guests or enjoy a snack anytime. Now, get cooking and enjoy your delicious buffalo cauliflower!

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • as needed cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Start by rinsing the cauliflower under cold water. Chop it into small, bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well-blended.
  • Gradually pour in the plant-based milk (or regular milk) into the dry mixture while whisking continuously, until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter.
  • Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing it in the air fryer.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Arrange the batter-coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  • Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked cauliflower wings and gently toss them until they are fully coated in the spicy sauce.
  • Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to adhere and set.
  • Once done, carefully remove the wings from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly for a few moments before serving.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and your choice of dipping sauce.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo wings, cauliflower, spicy, vegan