Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings: Crispy, Flavorful, and So Easy!
Cauliflower wings have totally changed the game for snack lovers like me. If you’re looking for something that feels hearty and filling but keeps things light, these air fryer cauliflower wings check all the boxes. They come out super crispy, hold up perfectly to any sauce, and work as a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal, especially when paired with your favorite dip.
The best part is how easy they are to whip up. With some simple pantry staples, a head of fresh cauliflower, and your air fryer, you’ve got a plant based treat that can be ready in well under 30 minutes. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender in the middle, and really soak up the flavor of any coating or sauce you toss them with.
Why These Cauliflower Wings Are Worth Trying
- No deep frying required. The air fryer handles all the crispiness without a ton of oil.
- Completely plant based. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone trying to eat more veggies.
- Customizable flavor. They work with buffalo, barbecue, garlic parmesan, or almost any sauce you’re craving.
- Super quick and easy cleanup. Air frying keeps the mess to a minimum, so you spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients before you get started. Feel free to mix up the spices or swap in your favorite sauces; it’s pretty hard to mess these up! If you want to try something different, consider adding a pinch of curry powder or even some Italian herbs. The possibilities are endless, and you can really make this recipe match your taste.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bitesized florets
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or use gluten free if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (like almond, soy, or oat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket and the wings themselves)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or any sauce you like (plus more for dipping)
How To Make Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
1. Prep the Cauliflower
Wash and dry the cauliflower, then chop it into even, bitesized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes them perfect for dipping. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they all crisp up at the same rate. If you like lots of crispy edges, don’t be afraid to make the pieces a bit smaller.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, cornstarch, and all the spices until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to stick to the cauliflower but not so thick that it clumps. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of plant milk to thin it out. This will help ensure a light but even coating for all the florets.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and use a spoon or your hands to toss them until fully coated. Pour the breadcrumbs onto a plate, then dip each battered piece in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. For extra crunchy wings, you might want to double dip each piece in a bit more batter and then breadcrumbs before air frying.
4. Air Fry
Spray your air fryer basket with a little cooking spray. Place the cauliflower in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Give them a light spray of oil to help them crisp up. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. If your basket is small, do this in batches so nothing gets soggy and everything cooks evenly.
5. Toss in Sauce
As soon as they’re cooked, toss the hot wings in your favorite sauce so they get a nice coating. Serve immediately with ranch, blue cheese, or even a quick homemade yogurt dip. You can also serve the sauces on the side so everyone can pick their favorite dip. This works great for parties and lets folks sample different flavors.
Tips, Variations, and Dip Ideas
- Spice things up. Add chili powder or hot sauce to the batter if you want more heat.
- Switch sauces. Try teriyaki, sweet chili, garlic parmesan, or honey mustard for different flavor vibes. Even a creamy tahini based sauce can be really tasty.
- Crispier texture. Use panko breadcrumbs; they give a really satisfying crunch.
- Dipping options. Aside from classic ranch and blue cheese, a sriracha lime yogurt dip or avocado cilantro sauce is really tasty. For something simple, mix a bit of hot sauce with plain vegan yogurt for a quick dip with a zing.
- Storage tip. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring the crispiness back. If you need to keep them for longer, try freezing after air frying, then reheat straight from the freezer for a quick snack.
Common Questions About Cauliflower Wings
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated cauliflower on a parchment lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get a nicely crispy texture, but it might take a few minutes longer if your cauliflower pieces are bigger.
Q: Do I need to precook the cauliflower?
No need to precook it. The air fryer does a great job of cooking the florets while making them crispy outside. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket so everything gets nice and golden.
Q: Will these turn out gluten free?
They definitely can. Swap out for gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs, and you’re good to go. Make sure your sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten if you’re sensitive to it.
Q: How do I keep them crispy when sauced?
They stay crispier if you wait to coat them in sauce until right before serving. For extra crunch, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. You can pop them back in the air fryer for a minute or two if they’ve been sitting out to bring the crunch back.
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but try to thaw and dry it as much as possible first. Frozen cauliflower has more moisture, which can make the wings less crispy. Pat the florets dry before battering for the best results.
Try Them Yourself!
It’s worth making a batch of air fryer cauliflower wings for any game day, party, or casual night in. Grab some fresh cauliflower, pick your sauce, and let your air fryer handle the “wing” magic. If you want to switch things up, try seasoning with curry, taco mix, or even a bit of everything bagel spice for a different twist. These wings are fun to make, especially if you have friends or family around to help coat and sauce them. I’d love to know how yours turn out or which dips and sauces you pair with them; feel free to share your spins on this easy, crowd pleasing snack. And don’t be shy about experimenting—the air fryer makes it easy to get creative with seasonings and sauces, and you might just stumble upon a new favourite combo when you jump into making these tasty wings!