This Cauliflower Wings Air Fryer recipe is irresistibly tasty and perfect as a snack, party appetizer, game-day treat, or a crunchy side for weeknight dinners. These buffalo cauliflower wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make.
I consider cauliflower the MVP of vegetables. It’s high in fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals, and adapts beautifully to bold flavors. Air fried until crisp and coated in buffalo sauce, these cauliflower wings are a satisfying, plant-based alternative to traditional wings.
Delicious air fryer cauliflower wings are as addictive and simple as other favorite air fryer veggies. They require minimal prep and only a few pantry staples.
Buffalo cauliflower wings come together quickly and easily. With only four main ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a batch of snackable, buffalo-flavored cauliflower wings in under 30 minutes.
If you don’t own an air fryer, you can still make these in the oven — see the oven method below for timing and tips.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick and easy – minimal prep and a batch is ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Really crispy – air frying makes the cauliflower crisp on the outside while tender inside.
- Affordable – uses just a few everyday pantry staples.
- Versatile – easy to change the sauce or seasonings to suit your tastes.
- Diet friendly – suitable for many diets when made with appropriate ingredients (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low Carb options available).
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few basic ingredients:
- Fresh cauliflower florets – cut into small to medium bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot is classic for buffalo flavor, but any favorite hot sauce works.
- Oil – olive oil or avocado oil helps the florets crisp; use your preferred neutral oil if desired.
- Salt – to taste, for balance and seasoning.
Ready to make crave-worthy buffalo cauliflower wings? Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps below.
How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full details.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix hot sauce, oil, and salt.
- Toss cauliflower florets in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Place half the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking for even browning.
- Remove and set aside, then cook the remaining cauliflower for a couple of minutes less.
- Serve with extra buffalo sauce or your favorite dip.
How To Make Oven Baked Cauliflower Wings
No air fryer? Use the oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Toss florets with the buffalo sauce and oil mixture until coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, turning a couple of times, until edges are crisp and florets are tender.
Recipe Tips
- Cut florets uniformly so they cook at the same rate.
- Shake or turn halfway through to encourage even crisping.
- Dry florets well so the sauce and seasoning adhere.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — leave space for air circulation to keep them crispy.
- Adjust heat by starting with less hot sauce and adding more if you want extra spice.
- Watch closely near the end of cooking to prevent burning.
Delicious Variations
- Swap sauces – try BBQ, Korean BBQ, or jerk sauce instead of buffalo.
- Different seasonings – smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, Creole seasoning, or Italian seasoning offer new flavor profiles.
- Add texture – toss with a little almond flour for extra body and a slight nutty flavor.
- Spice it up – add chipotle or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Brighten the flavor – finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
- Finish with cheese – sprinkle grated Parmesan for a savory touch (omit for vegan).
- Garnish – top with fresh parsley, toasted nuts, or green onions.
Prep Ahead and Storage
- Prep ahead – cut florets in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Store leftovers – refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat – warm in the air fryer 2–3 minutes to restore crunch.
FAQs
A 1-cup serving of these buffalo cauliflower wings is much lighter than traditional buffalo chicken wings. In this recipe, a serving is approximately 150 calories depending on sauce and oil used.
Yes, but frozen cauliflower contains extra moisture and won’t crisp as well as fresh. Cook a few minutes longer and check frequently; you may need to pat pieces dry if excess steam accumulates.
Remove outer leaves, cut the head into quarters, remove the core, then slice or pull florets into bite-sized pieces using a knife or by hand.
Yes, but without oil they won’t crisp as much. Use parchment in the air fryer to help prevent sticking and expect a softer texture.
More Recipes You May Like
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Mushroom Steaks
- Air Fryer Beets
- Air Fryer Chickpeas
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Plantains
Serving Suggestions
These cauliflower wings make a great appetizer or snack. Serve with blue cheese or ranch-style dressing and celery sticks for a classic buffalo pairing, or offer dips like garlic aioli or a creamy yogurt-based sauce.
They also work well as a lighter side alongside burgers or grilled proteins, or used in salads, tacos, and wraps using any leftover wings.
More Cauliflower Recipes
- Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- One-Pan Cauliflower Curry (Air Fryer)
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Weight Watchers Points
According to the source recipe’s calculations, this preparation registers as 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints per serving when using the specified ingredients.
Tools Needed
- An air fryer (or an oven if you prefer).
- A sharp knife for cutting florets.
- A cutting board.
- Mixing bowls for tossing the cauliflower in sauce.
Thank you for reading this Cauliflower Wings recipe post. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these crispy, flavorful buffalo cauliflower wings.
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Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 3–4 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium head cauliflower, washed, patted dry and cut into bite-size florets
Instructions
Cauliflower Wings Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix hot sauce, oil, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat.
- Place half the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 12–15 minutes, shaking 2–3 times.
- Cook the second batch for 2–3 minutes less and combine before serving.
Oven Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Coat florets with the buffalo sauce mixture and place in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, turning a couple of times, until edges are crisp and florets are tender.
Notes
- Cut florets to uniform size for even cooking.
- Shake the air fryer basket or turn florets during cooking so all sides crisp.
- Dry florets before seasoning so the sauce adheres.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; leave space for airflow.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.