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Air fryer cauliflower wings covered in sauce on a gray plate.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 241kcal
Author Gary White

Ingredients

Qualiflower Wings

  • 1 head of cauliflower florets
  • ½ cup milk we used soy milk
  • ½ cup water
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour we used Bob's Red Mill gluten-free baking 1-to-1
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 cup frank's red hot sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. butter we used earth balance buttery spread
  • ¼ cup molasses

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients (flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper).
  • Whisk in water and milk until the batter has no lumps.
  • Add fresh cauliflower florets to the batter (in small batches) and mix well to coat evenly.
  • Remove florets one at a time and transfer them to a separate dish to let the excess batter run off.
  • Coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Add battered florets to the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

  • Melt butter in microwave, add to a large bowl and combine with Franks hot sauce and molasses. Whisk until fully combined.
  • Coat the wings with sauce when ready to serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Fully Coat the Cauliflower: Ensure each floret is well-coated with the batter for maximum crispiness.
  • Don't Crowd the Basket: Arrange florets in a single layer, leaving space around each one. Work in batches if necessary.
  • Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed hot and crispy, right from the air fryer.
  • Modify the Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you want more heat.
  • Cut Florets Evenly: Cut the cauliflower into 1 to 1½-inch florets for easy eating.

FAQs

Do I precook the cauliflower? No! This recipe uses raw cauliflower.
Do these taste like chicken? Well, it's cauliflower, so not really. However, they do have amazing flavor and are delicious in their own right.
What to serve with cauliflower wings? Classic celery or carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, or your favorite vegan dressing.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer until warm to keep them crispy.
Can I use a different wing sauce? Absolutely! You can use any wing sauce you choose.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 2165mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 13.2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2.6mg