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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed) - 1 cup milk (choose dairy or any plant-based alternative) - 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for an extra crunchy finish) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or your preferred hot sauce) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To create crispy cauliflower wings, you need fresh cauliflower florets. I always recommend using a medium head of cauliflower. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, prepare the wet mixture. Combine the flour and milk in a bowl. I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This gives your wings a great flavor. Mix until smooth. For the crunch, use breadcrumbs. I suggest panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. These create a perfect outer layer. Don’t forget the buffalo sauce! It adds spice and tang. You can use your favorite brand or make your own. The olive oil helps the wings brown nicely. Finally, fresh parsley is a great garnish. It adds color and freshness to your dish. These ingredients come together for a flavorful delight that everyone will enjoy. Start by trimming the cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. This size helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Once you cut the florets, place them in a large mixing bowl. This keeps your workspace tidy and organized. Next, make the batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and milk. You can use dairy or any plant-based milk you like. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the batter is smooth. You want it to be slightly thick, so it clings well to the cauliflower. Now, it’s time to coat the cauliflower. Dip each floret into the batter. Make sure to cover every part so it gets a good flavor. Let any extra batter drip off. This step helps avoid sogginess. Then, take the breadcrumbs and place them in a shallow dish. Roll each battered floret in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered. This gives a crunchy outer layer that makes each bite delicious. Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about five minutes. It helps the wings get crispy. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep the wings from sticking. Arrange the coated cauliflower wings in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the florets with olive oil for extra crispness. Air fry the wings for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. You want them to turn golden and crispy. After air frying, it’s time for the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, add the air-fried cauliflower. Pour the buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss the wings until every piece is well-coated in sauce. For the final touch, return the coated wings to the air fryer. Cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps set the buffalo sauce and adds to the flavor. To make your cauliflower wings crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are coarser and give a great crunch. For the best texture, spray the florets with oil. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Want more flavor? You can change the spices to suit your taste. Add more garlic powder for extra zing. You can also try different herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme boost flavor. If you love heat, mix in a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can even drizzle different sauces on top after cooking. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you stack the wings, they won’t cook evenly. It’s better to cook in small batches. This way, each floret gets enough hot air. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides. {{image_4}} You have many options for sauce. Buffalo sauce is a classic choice, but you can try other hot sauces too. Consider using a sweet chili sauce for a different kick. You can also swap it out for BBQ sauce. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor. Mix things up to match your taste! If you need gluten-free wings, don’t worry! You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands make great gluten-free options. For the breadcrumbs, look for gluten-free panko. This will keep your wings crispy and delicious without any gluten. To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk. Almond milk or oat milk work great. You can also skip any animal products. Just make sure your breadcrumbs are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy tasty wings that fit your diet! To keep your cauliflower wings fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in a sealed container. Make sure it has an airtight seal. This helps prevent moisture. Enjoy the wings within three days for the best taste. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing. When reheating, use an air fryer. This keeps the wings crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the wings for about 5 to 7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures even heating. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soft. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid sogginess. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked wings. If freezing cooked wings, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. For uncooked wings, freeze them before frying. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen. Then, transfer to a bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on low for a few minutes. To make your cauliflower wings extra crispy, focus on the batter and breadcrumb coating. - Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. - Ensure the batter is thick enough to stick well. - Shake off excess batter before coating in breadcrumbs. - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. - Spray the tops of the wings with olive oil for golden color. These steps help achieve a delightful crunch that enhances the overall flavor. Yes, you can make these cauliflower wings ahead of time. - Prepare the cauliflower and coat it in batter and breadcrumbs. - Store the un-cooked wings in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - If you want longer storage, freeze the un-cooked wings for up to a month. - Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before cooking. This makes it easy to enjoy crispy wings any time! Several dipping sauces complement cauliflower wings nicely. - Classic ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. - Blue cheese dressing offers a tangy flavor. - Pair with a spicy buffalo or BBQ sauce for a bold kick. - Serve with celery sticks for crunch. These sauces enhance the experience and make each bite exciting! Cauliflower wings are a tasty and healthy snack. We discussed the key ingredients, like fresh cauliflower, flour, and buffalo sauce. I shared simple steps to prepare, coat, and air-fry for that crispy texture. You also have tips for flavor enhancements and variations for vegan or gluten-free diets. Lastly, I covered proper storage and reheating methods. Enjoy making your wings, and feel free to get creative with your flavors!

Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Get ready to crunch into deliciousness with these Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings! Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, these wings are a healthier twist on a classic favorite. With a simple batter, a crispy coating, and drenched in zesty buffalo sauce, they’re sure to impress at your next gathering. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy every bite of this tasty snack that’s perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)

1 cup milk (choose dairy or any plant-based alternative)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for an extra crunchy finish)

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (or your preferred hot sauce)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cauliflower: Begin by trimming the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Place these florets in a large mixing bowl to keep everything organized.

    Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and has a slightly thick consistency.

      Coat the Cauliflower: Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring that each piece is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before proceeding.

        Breadcrumb Coating: Transfer the breadcrumbs to a shallow dish. Roll each battered floret in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered. This will create a deliciously crispy exterior once cooked.

          Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, preparing it to achieve optimal crispiness.

            Air Fry the Wings: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated cauliflower wings in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. If necessary, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the florets with olive oil for extra crispness.

              Cooking Time: Air fry the cauliflower wings for approximately 12-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The wings should emerge golden and crispy.

                Toss with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the air-fried cauliflower and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Gently toss the wings in the sauce until all the pieces are well-coated.

                  Final Air Fry: Return the coated wings to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps to set the buffalo sauce onto the florets.

                    Serve: Carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange your crispy cauliflower wings on a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside crunchy celery sticks, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delectable creation!