Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Serves: 2–4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients

Cauliflower

• 1 medium head cauliflower

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional but helps browning)

Crispy Batter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond or soy)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Buffalo Sauce

• 1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot–style works best)

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (balances heat)

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Prep the Cauliflower

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower.

2. Cut into bite-size florets, about wing-sized.
   Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.

2. Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Plant milk

   • Garlic powder

   • Onion powder

   • Smoked paprika

   • Salt

   • Black pepper

2. The batter should be thick but pourable — similar to pancake batter.

3. Coat the Cauliflower

1. Add florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.

2. Let excess batter drip off before cooking (this prevents sogginess).

4. Air Fry (First Round – Crisping)

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

2. Lightly grease the air fryer basket.

3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer — do not overcrowd.

4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until lightly golden and set.

5. Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • Hot sauce

   • Melted vegan butter

   • Maple syrup

   • Apple cider vinegar

2. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if needed.

6. Sauce & Air Fry Again

1. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a clean bowl.

2. Pour buffalo sauce over florets and toss gently to coat.

3. Return to air fryer basket.

4. Air fry again at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, until edges are crispy and sauce is slightly caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve immediately with vegan ranch or blue-cheese-style dressing.

• Add celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side.

• Great as a game-day snack, appetizer, or stuffed into wraps or tacos.

Tips for Maximum Crispiness

• Dry cauliflower well before battering.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.

• For extra crunch, add 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch to the batter.

• Shake gently; rough handling knocks off coating.

Variations

• Extra crispy: After saucing, sprinkle lightly with panko before second air fry.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend.

• No batter: Toss florets in oil + spices, air fry, then sauce (less crispy but faster).

• Korean-style: Replace buffalo sauce with gochujang + maple syrup + rice vinegar.