Cauliflower Wings Recipe (Better Than BWW!)
Crispy buffalo wild wings cauliflower wings recipe made in the air fryer! This easy vegetarian appetizer is spicy, crunchy, and perfect for game day. Save this recipe now!
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 103kcal
Cost: $5
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Wings
- 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ cup buttermilk or plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper per taste
For the Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce Frank’s-style recommended
- 2 Tablespoon melted butter or vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for balance
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them completely dry—this step is critical for crispiness.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together: Flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all the seasonings,
- Slowly add buttermilk and whisk until a smooth, thick batter forms.
- 💡 Pro Tip: The batter should coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively. Too thin = soggy wings.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each floret into the batter, letting excess drip off. Place on a lined tray or directly into your air fryer basket.
- Let the coated cauliflower sit for 5 minutes before cooking—this helps the batter adhere better.
Air Fryer Instructions (Best Method)
- If you want that Buffalo Wild Wings–style crispiness, the air fryer is your best bet.
- Preheat to 375°F . Lightly grease the basket. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shake the basket halfway.
- Toss in buffalo sauce and Air fry again for 3–5 minutes
- 💡 Pro Tip: Lightly spray the battered cauliflower with oil before cooking. This mimics deep frying and boosts crispiness.
🔥 Oven Instructions (Alternative Method)
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss in sauce and bake again for 5–10 minutes.
- Tip : While the oven works well, oven cooking won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer.
Notes
How to serve?
Just like they do in the restaurants, serve these Air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings with blue cheese and ranch dressings to dip into. I like to serve them along with cut up celery and carrot sticks as well.
How do you store cauliflower bites?
These taste best fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, put them in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes.
Nutrition
Serving: 5wings | Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g