Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Easy Game-Day Appetizer
These Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying snack. This recipe is designed to be easy for beginner cooks, so you can impress your friends and family with minimal fuss!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-20 minutes Additional Time: (for buffalo sauce to cool, optional) 5 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 2 pounds)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup your favorite buffalo sauce (plus extra for serving)
- Optional: Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the cauliflower: Wash and dry the cauliflower florets thoroughly. Aim for similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add the water, whisking constantly, until you get a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat evenly. You can use your hands or a spoon for this.
- Air fry time! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if needed (consult your air fryer’s manual for preheating instructions). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or your cauliflower won’t get crispy! You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry round one: Cook the cauliflower florets for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or flip the florets for even browning.
- Get saucy! While the cauliflower cooks in the second round, transfer the cooked florets to a plate or bowl. In a separate bowl, toss the buffalo sauce with the cooked cauliflower until evenly coated.
- Air fry round two: Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower florets back to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool (optional) and serve: Let the buffalo cauliflower wings cool slightly before serving (optional, but recommended to avoid burning your mouth!). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy!
Tips:
- For spicier wings, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Want extra crispy wings? After tossing the cooked cauliflower in buffalo sauce, sprinkle them with panko breadcrumbs before returning them to the air fryer for a final crisp.
- Leftover buffalo cauliflower wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.