Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Easy Healthy Snacks

Name: Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency); 1 cup vegan buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

By:

Suborna Tanchangya

Apr 25, 2024

At: Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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Who says you can’t enjoy buffalo wings on a vegan diet? Try this simple air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower wings recipe. Just coat the cauliflower in batter, air fry at 350°F for 25 minutes, and toss in buffalo sauce. It’s a straightforward, delicious snack that’s hard to resist!

I’m very happy to share my recipe for vegan buffalo cauliflower wings, a delightful twist on the traditional wing that caters to vegan and health-conscious eaters alike. These wings are made using cauliflower, a versatile vegetable that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. This air fryer cauliflower recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a spicy, flavorful snack without the guilt. They make for fantastic healthy snack options and prove how convenient and efficient cooking with an air fryer can be.

Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings Air Fryer

What Do You Need to Get Start

Essential Ingredients:

To whip up these tasty wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
1 cup vegan buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

Required Equipment:

Preparing these vegan buffalo cauliflower wings requires a few kitchen tools:

Air Fryer: Central to achieving that perfect crispy texture.
Large mixing bowl: For preparing the cauliflower batter.
Whisk: To mix the batter smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
Tongs: To safely and easily handle the cauliflower when hot.

How to Make Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water and whisk until the batter is smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower pieces without dripping excessively.

Preparing batter for vegan buffalo cauliflower wings in a mixing bowl

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before proceeding to the next step.

Coating cauliflower florets evenly with batter for air frying

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as starting with a hot air fryer ensures the cauliflower begins cooking immediately, enhancing the crispiness. Preheating instructions.

Cook the Cauliflower: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cauliflower wings cooking in air fryer, showing crispy texture

Add Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the vegan buffalo sauce with melted vegan butter in a bowl. This combination adds a rich, tangy flavor that’s absolutely addictive.

Mixing vegan buffalo sauce with butter for cauliflower wings

Toss in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked, gently toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated. This step should be done while the cauliflower is still hot to help it absorb the flavors.

Tossing air fried cauliflower in buffalo sauce for extra flavor

Final Crisp: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 350°F. This not only heats the sauce but helps set it, adding an extra layer of crispiness to the wings.

Cauliflower wings getting a final crisp in the air fryer post saucing

Serve Immediately: Enjoy your vegan buffalo cauliflower wings hot for the best texture and taste. Pair with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Essential Note: For the crispiest results, do not let the battered florets sit before frying. Cook them immediately after battering to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Nutritional Information

Cauliflower is not only a versatile ingredient but also packed with nutritional benefits. It is low in calories yet rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which support digestive health and can help reduce inflammation. Using cauliflower as a base for these wings offers a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks that typically contain more calories and less nutritional value.

Below is a detailed Nutrition Facts table for the Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, based on a serving size of about 4-6 wings (1/4 of the total recipe):

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Calories: 150 kcal

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Total Fat	4g	6%
Saturated Fat	0.5g	3%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1150mg	48%
Total Carbohydrate	23g	8%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	2g
Protein	5g	10%
Vitamin D	0mcg	0%
Calcium	40mg	3%
Iron	1.2mg	7%
Potassium	430mg	9%

*% Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

These wings are a healthier choice for those monitoring their calorie intake or seeking to include more plant-based foods in their diet. The high sodium content is primarily due to the buffalo sauce, so consider a lower-sodium sauce if you are watching your salt intake.

Tips for Perfect Cauliflower Wings

Achieving the perfect texture for your Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings can be challenging. Here are some expert tips to ensure they come out crispy and delicious every time:

Prevent Sogginess: The key to crispy cauliflower wings is ensuring the batter is not too runny. Aim for a pancake batter consistency. If the batter is too thin, add a bit more flour; if too thick, a splash more water.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can steam the cauliflower instead of frying it, leading to soggy wings.
Shake or Turn Regularly: Halfway through cooking, either shake the basket or use tongs to turn the florets. This promotes even cooking and browning on all sides.
High Heat Finishing: After tossing the wings in buffalo sauce, return them to the air fryer and cook at a slightly higher temperature for the last few minutes. This step helps to seal in the sauce and enhances the crispiness.

These guidelines will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve the best results with your cauliflower wings.

Serving plate of crispy vegan buffalo cauliflower wings with dipping sauce

Variations and Flavor Options

Buffalo cauliflower wings are wonderfully versatile, and you can easily customize them with different seasonings and sauces. Here are some exciting variations to try:

Barbecue Style: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Garlic Parmesan: After frying, toss the wings in a mix of melted vegan butter, minced garlic, and vegan parmesan cheese for a rich, savory option.
Spicy Korean: Use a Korean BBQ sauce mixed with a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for wings with a spicy, umami-rich glaze.
Lemon Pepper: For a zesty, tangy twist, sprinkle freshly cooked wings with lemon zest and cracked black pepper.

Experimenting with these flavors can keep your menu exciting and cater to different taste preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or tangy, there’s a cauliflower wing variation that’s sure to satisfy.

FAQs about Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Can I make these buffalo cauliflower wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and the coating ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and simply coat and cook when ready to serve to maintain the best texture.

How should I store and reheat leftover cauliflower wings?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Using frozen cauliflower is possible but might affect texture. If using frozen, it’s recommended to increase cooking time slightly to ensure they become crispy.

Are there any gluten-free options for the batter?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour such as chickpea flour or a rice flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe less spicy or more spicy?

Absolutely, you can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce. Use a milder sauce or reduce the quantity for less heat, or add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice.

Final Words

Making the vegan cauliflower buffalo wings air fryer recipe is a straightforward and rewarding process. This recipe turn simple ingredients into a crispy, flavorful low-calorie snack that you’ll be proud to share.

The health benefits of cauliflower, combined with the ease of using an air fryer, make this dish a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.

I would like you to try making these wings and explore different flavors. Share your experiences or any tasty modifications you come up with—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!

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Suborna Tanchangya

Suborna is a housewife and digital creator. She lives in a green district of Bangladesh with her husband, and she has a 3-year-old daughter. Suborna doesn’t just want to see herself as a housewife; she wants to use her talent to keep up with the times, and that’s why she started her own personal blog. Read my story.