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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference) - 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) When I make Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, I gather fresh ingredients first. I love using a medium head of cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, I grab my flour. All-purpose flour works great, but you can use gluten-free flour too. I also prepare breadcrumbs. I prefer panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Now, let's spice things up. Garlic powder and onion powder add fantastic flavor. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth, and cayenne pepper adds heat. You can adjust the cayenne to suit your taste. For the liquid, I use buttermilk, but plant-based milk is a solid choice too. Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. I also use olive oil for coating and buffalo sauce for that spicy kick. These ingredients create a tasty and crunchy dish. Enjoy crafting this delicious recipe! Start by washing the cauliflower under cool water. This helps remove dirt. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This ensures they cook at the same rate. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk these well. Slowly add 1 cup of buttermilk. Stir until you get a smooth batter. The batter should stick to the cauliflower but not be too thick. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure they are fully coated. Let the excess batter drip off. Next, roll each piece in breadcrumbs. Use panko for extra crunch. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded cauliflower in a single layer. Leave space between them for air to move. Spray the tops with olive oil too. Air fry the cauliflower for 10 minutes. Then flip them over. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the wings to a bowl. Drizzle 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently so they are evenly coated. Enjoy your crispy buffalo cauliflower wings! To get the best crunch from your cauliflower wings, choose panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crispier texture. If you can't find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. Air circulation is key. Make sure to leave space between each floret in the fryer. This helps hot air flow and cook all sides evenly. A crowded basket leads to soggy wings, which we want to avoid. Want to change the heat level? You can adjust the cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then add more if you like it spicier. You can also try adding other spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor. For a flavor boost, mix in some garlic powder or onion powder. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without the cheese. Feel free to experiment with spices that you love! Pair your cauliflower wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The coolness of the dressing balances the spice. For sides, fresh celery sticks add crunch and freshness. You can also serve these wings with a light salad or some crispy potato wedges for a full meal experience. Enjoy! {{image_2}} You can switch up the sauce for your buffalo cauliflower wings. Barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky twist. Teriyaki brings a nice glaze and flavor. You can also try different coatings. Use crushed nuts like almonds or seeds like sesame for a crunchy layer. This adds flavor and texture, making your wings unique. If you need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. For a vegan-friendly version, replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with lemon juice. This change works well and keeps the batter tasty and smooth. Baking is one option if you don’t have an air fryer. Spread the coated cauliflower on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through for even crispiness. Stovetop frying is another option. Heat oil in a pan and fry the wings until golden brown. This method gives a nice crunch but uses more oil. To keep your crispy buffalo cauliflower wings fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the wings cool to room temperature. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Next, place them in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for best results. These help keep the wings from getting soggy. You can also use plastic containers, but ensure they seal well. Reheating your wings can be tricky. You want them crispy, not soggy. For the best results, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat the wings for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crunchy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes. If you use a microwave, the wings may get soft. To avoid sogginess, skip the microwave if possible. Your buffalo cauliflower wings can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look slimy, it’s time to toss them. Fresh wings should still be crisp and smell great. Storing them right keeps them delicious for longer. Yes, you can make these wings ahead of time. To prep in advance, follow these steps: - Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the florets and wash them. - Make the batter: Mix all dry ingredients, then add the buttermilk. - Coat the cauliflower: Dip the florets in the batter and breadcrumbs. After coating, store the cauliflower in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just air fry them. This saves time and makes for a quick meal. Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to keep leftovers. Here are the best practices: - Cool the wings: Let them cool completely first. - Use airtight containers: Place the wings in a container or freezer bag. - Label and date: Write the date on the bag or container. To thaw, put them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy finish. This keeps the flavor fresh and tasty. To kick up the heat, try these suggestions: - Add more cayenne pepper: Increase the amount in the batter. - Mix in hot sauce: Blend extra hot sauce into the buffalo sauce. - Use spicy seasonings: Consider adding chipotle powder or crushed red pepper flakes. These tips help you customize the spice level to your liking. Enjoy the fiery flavors! In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious air fryer cauliflower wings. You learned about the main ingredients, spices, and liquid components needed. We shared step-by-step instructions to prepare, batter, and fry the cauliflower. Tips for achieving maximum crispiness and serving suggestions added more flavor options. Lastly, we explored variations, storage techniques, and answered common questions. Enjoy making your crispy, tasty wings and feel free to experiment with flavors for a truly unique snack!

Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Discover how to make Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Wings that are perfect for game day or a healthy snack! This recipe features simple ingredients and easy steps to create mouthwatering, spicy treats that are both crunchy and satisfying. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these delicious bites served with celery and your favorite dipping sauce. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your appetizer game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare Cauliflower: Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets.

    Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the buttermilk until a smooth batter forms.

      Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter ensuring they're evenly coated, then let the excess batter drip off.

        Add Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each coated cauliflower piece in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they're fully covered for extra crunch.

          Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the breaded cauliflower wings in the basket in a single layer, leaving space for air circulation. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.

              Cooking Time: Air fry the cauliflower for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

                Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower wings to a bowl. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to coat evenly.

                  Serve: Arrange the crispy buffalo cauliflower wings on a platter with fresh celery sticks on the side and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4