Oh my gosh, you guys, if you haven’t tried air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings, you are seriously missing out! I mean, who would’ve thought that cauliflower could transform into such a spicy, crispy delight? It’s like magic! I first made these for a game night with friends, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than I could say “buffalo sauce.” They’re the perfect healthy alternative to traditional wings, and honestly, the flavor is just out of this world. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up in the air fryer, meaning you can enjoy that crispy goodness without the guilt. Trust me, once you dive into these, you’ll never look back!
Ingredients List
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Cauliflower
First things first, grab that beautiful head of cauliflower! You’ll want to cut it into bite-sized florets. I like to make them about the size of a chicken wing—perfect for dipping! Make sure all your florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. And don’t forget to wash them well! You can use a sharp knife and a cutting board for this job, and trust me, you’ll want a clean workspace for all the deliciousness that’s about to happen.
Making the Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the batter! In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth batter that’s not too thick but not too runny either. If it’s too thick, add a splash more water; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more flour. You want it to cling nicely to your cauliflower without drenching it.
Air Frying the Cauliflower
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s hot and ready, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! You want that hot air to circulate around them. Cook for about 15 minutes, but halfway through, give the basket a good shake. This helps them crisp up beautifully on all sides!
Tossing in Buffalo Sauce
Once those florets are golden and crispy, it’s time to bring on the heat! In a separate bowl, mix your buffalo sauce with the olive oil. This little step makes everything extra flavorful and helps the sauce stick. Now, toss the hot cauliflower in the sauce until they’re well-coated. Get in there with your hands if you have to; it’s messy but oh-so-worth it!
Final Cooking Step
Now, return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. This final cook is key to achieving that perfect crunch. Just keep an eye on them—every air fryer is a bit different. When they’re done, they should be sizzling and irresistible! Serve them hot, and watch everyone dive in!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers! These air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings are not only delicious but also pretty guilt-free. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re munching on:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
So, there you have it! With those numbers, you can enjoy your crispy cauliflower wings without any worry. Perfect for satisfying those snack cravings while keeping things on the healthier side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks!
- A healthier twist on traditional buffalo wings, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Super crispy texture thanks to the air fryer—no deep frying required!
- Flavor-packed with that spicy buffalo kick that satisfies cravings.
- Completely vegan, making it a great option for plant-based diets.
- Customizable spice levels—add more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
- Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in with friends and family!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my favorite tips to help you nail this recipe:
- Don’t skip the shaking! Giving the basket a shake halfway through cooking is crucial. It helps the cauliflower cook evenly and gets that amazing crispy texture all around.
- Adjust the spice to your liking. If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, feel free to reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of your favorite barbecue sauce for a milder flavor. You can always add more after tasting!
- Check for doneness. Every air fryer is different, so keep an eye on your cauliflower during the final cooking step. They should be golden and crispy! If they need a bit more time, don’t hesitate to pop them back in.
- Use a non-stick spray. If your air fryer tends to stick, a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray on the basket before adding the cauliflower can help prevent any sticking and keep cleanup easy.
- Let them cool a bit before serving. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting them sit for a minute allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps the crispy coating set.
With these tips, you’ll be a buffalo cauliflower wing pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
So, you’ve got your delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings ready, and now it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them! Trust me, adding a few tasty accompaniments can elevate your snack game to a whole new level!
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: These crunchy veggies are a classic pairing with buffalo wings! They provide a refreshing crunch and help cool down the spiciness of the sauce. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare—just chop and serve!
- Dipping Sauces: Don’t forget the dips! A rich ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing is a must-have for that cool contrast against the spicy wings. If you’re looking to keep things vegan, try a dairy-free ranch or a zesty avocado dip.
- Pickles: I love serving some tangy dill pickles on the side. They bring a nice tartness that complements the flavors perfectly and adds another layer of texture to your spread.
- Guacamole: If you want to switch things up a bit, serve your buffalo wings with a side of guacamole! The creaminess of the avocado creates a delightful balance with the spiciness of the wings.
- Potato Wedges: For a heartier option, crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries make a fantastic side. They soak up any extra buffalo sauce and keep you satisfied!
So, get creative and mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect platter! Your guests (or just you, no judgment!) will love the combination, and it’ll make your buffalo cauliflower wings even more irresistible!
FAQ Section
Can I make these buffalo cauliflower wings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve had great success using almond flour or chickpea flour as a tasty alternative!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover wings (which is rare at my house!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance! Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before dipping your cauliflower florets, as it might thicken up a bit.
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted vegan butter or olive oil, plus a dash of vinegar. Or, if you prefer a milder flavor, try using BBQ sauce or a sweet chili sauce instead!
Can I air fry other vegetables this way?
Definitely! This method works great for other veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable size and type!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A spicy and crispy alternative to traditional buffalo wings made with cauliflower.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt to create a batter.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the battered cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with olive oil.
- Once cooked, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings, vegan buffalo wings, healthy appetizer