Embrace the delightful crunch and bold flavors of our Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings, a guilt-free snack that packs a punch! Perfectly battered and crisped to golden perfection, these wings are tossed in a zesty sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or seeking a quick and healthy snack, these cauliflower wings are sure to impress with their delicious taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- Milk or milk alternative, as needed for batter
- Flour, as needed for coating
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Your favorite hot sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot
- Olive oil spray for air frying
Directions:
- Prep the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into wing-sized florets.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, create a batter using milk (or a milk alternative) and flour. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the florets but not too runny. Season the batter with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the battered cauliflower pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch. Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Make the Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix your favorite hot sauce with melted butter in a large bowl.
- Toss the Cauliflower: Once the cauliflower is cooked, toss them in the hot sauce mixture until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower wings immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Benefits
- Low Calorie: Cauliflower is naturally low in calories, making these wings a healthier choice.
- High Fiber: Helps to promote fullness and supports digestive health.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cauliflower and spices like paprika contribute antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Cooking Tips
- Consistency of Batter: Ensure the batter is not too thick nor too thin to properly coat the cauliflower without dripping off.
- Single Layer Air Frying: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the cauliflower wings cook evenly and get crisp.
- Shaking the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to help the wings cook evenly and achieve maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these wings with a variety of dips such as ranch, blue cheese, or a yogurt-based dip to complement the spicy flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a light salad to balance the heat and make a fuller meal.
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can add a fresh, herby contrast to the spicy wings.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the florets and batter them ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are loved for their simplicity and the healthier take on a traditionally fried dish. They are perfect for those who want to indulge in their craving for wings without straying from a health-conscious diet. These wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a delicious, vegan-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste.