Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Wings:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets about 6 cups
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk almond or oat work well
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup Frank's RedHot sauce or preferred hot sauce
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For Serving
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip
Instructions
- Prep the Cauliflower:** Cut cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets, removing excess stem. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in plant-based milk until smooth. The batter should coat the back of a spoon.
- Place panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil in a shallow dish. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- First Cook: Place coated florets in air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While cauliflower cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl.
- Remove cauliflower from air fryer and immediately toss with buffalo sauce in the bowl. Return to air fryer for 3-5 minutes until sauce is slightly caramelized.
- Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately with celery sticks, carrots, and your favorite vegan dipping sauce.
Notes
● Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket cook in batches for best results
● For extra crispy wings, spray lightly with cooking oil before the final cooking stage
● Buffalo sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator
● For milder wings, reduce hot sauce and increase maple syrup
● Wings are best served immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
