I’ve always loved a snack that packs a punch, and buffalo wings have been a personal favorite for years. But the thought of deep-frying wings every time wasn’t exactly appealing, so I started exploring plant-based alternatives. That’s when I discovered buffalo cauliflower wings—crispy, tangy, and spicy, yet totally guilt-free. The best part? They come together in an air fryer, which means less oil, less mess, and a lot more fun experimenting with flavors.
Over time, I’ve refined my approach to make these cauliflower wings perfectly crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. From coating to sauce, every step matters to get that classic buffalo flavor without meat. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for friends, a game-day snack, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner every time.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Cauliflower: The star of this dish, cauliflower holds up beautifully in the air fryer. Its natural texture allows it to get crispy without becoming mushy, making it a perfect vehicle for that spicy buffalo sauce.
All-purpose flour: This helps create a light, crunchy coating that sticks to the cauliflower, ensuring each bite has a satisfying crunch. The flour also helps the buffalo sauce cling to every floret.
Milk (or plant-based milk): Milk is used to make the batter, giving the flour mixture the right consistency and helping the coating adhere better. You can use dairy or a non-dairy alternative depending on your preference.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder adds depth and enhances the savory flavor of the cauliflower without overpowering the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Paprika: This spice adds a mild smokiness and a rich color to the batter, making the wings look as good as they taste.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together. A little salt and pepper go a long way in balancing the heat and enhancing the natural flavor of cauliflower.
Buffalo sauce: The heart of the dish. You can use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter). It coats the wings with tangy, spicy goodness.
Cooking spray: A quick spritz ensures the cauliflower crisps up nicely in the air fryer without sticking to the basket.
Ingredients List
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Prep the Cauliflower
Wash and cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. This ensures that each piece cooks uniformly and allows the coating to stick properly.
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat each floret without dripping excessively.
Coat the Cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess batter to prevent clumps, then set the coated florets aside.
Air Fry the Cauliflower
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Spray lightly with cooking spray and cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
Toss with Buffalo Sauce
Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your buffalo cauliflower wings hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a complete snack experience.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are dry before coating; too much moisture will prevent crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- For extra crunch, lightly coat the cauliflower with a mix of breadcrumbs and flour before air frying.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level—more sauce for heat, less for a milder flavor.
- Serve immediately; they lose their crispness if left to sit too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results.
Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, though they may not be as crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
Can I make the buffalo sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Combine hot sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter) to taste, and you have your own homemade buffalo sauce.