These 4-ingredient air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings are SO crispy and smothered in bold buffalo sauce. A crowd-pleasing, meat-free party/Game Day appetizer!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
My easy vegan buffalo chicken dip has become a party staple, but you can't beat super crispy, spicy air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings - perfectly tender inside, with a crispy, crunchy shell, and doused in vegan Buffalo sauce. They're made with just 4 ingredients in under 30 minutes and require NO added oil (& still ultra-crispy!), for a much healthier, meat-free alternative to deep-fried buffalo wings.
My version is also 100% vegan and easy to make gluten-free. But, honestly, even meat-eaters will hoard them - they're that good (and satisfying)! Pair them with vegan Ranch dressing or your favorite sauce for the ultimate finger food for game days, movie nights, and parties.
Looking for more air fryer game day appetizers? Try my air fryer nachos, air fryer pizza rolls, and/or air fryer potato wedges.
Ingredient Notes
Refer to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and substitutes.
Buffalo sauce: Double check the ingredients to make vegan hot wings - I like Primal Kitchen or Franks buffalo sauce. OR make your own (it's a simple blend of hot sauce, vegan butter, onion/garlic powder, and maple syrup).
Recipe Variations
Buffalo sauce: Add a pinch of smoked paprika (smoky), cayenne pepper (spicy), vegan Worcestershire sauce (tangy), or maple syrup (sweet).
Batter: Add depth with garlic powder, onion powder, and/or smoked paprika.
How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Step 1: First, separate the cauliflower into even-sized florets. In a large bowl, mix 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoon plant milk. Add the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the flour and plant milk into a smooth, thick-but-runny batter.
Step 3: Dip each cauliflower wing into the batter, ensuring it's well-coated. Shake off excess. Then, place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space between.
Step 4: Air fry the buffalo cauliflower wings for 15-20 minutes at 400F/200C, carefully flipping after 10 minutes, until golden-brown and crispy. Toss the air fried cauliflower wings with 1 cup of buffalo sauce until evenly coated, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Leave space for airflow - work in batches if necessary.
Alternatively, air fry for 10-12 minutes, toss in the sauce, and air fry for several more minutes. This helps seal in flavor and adds a little extra crispiness.
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FAQs
Yes! Store florets and batter (separately) up to 2 days in the fridge. Let batter sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before using.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket - leaving space for airflow. Also, optionally substitute a tablespoon of flour with cornstarch and spray the cauliflower with oil to encourage crispiness and browning.
I don't recommend it, as it can become soggy.
Absolutely. Adjust the spice level as preferred - more vegan butter for milder flavor, less vegan butter (or added cayenne) for more heat.
Sure! BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or a vegan 'hot maple' sauce also taste amazing.
Pro Recipe Notes
- Use even-sized florets: To ensure they air fry evenly.
- Coat the cauliflower properly: Thoroughly coat the florets (every nook!), then gently shake off excess for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Otherwise, they'll steam and remain soggy instead of crisping up into perfectly crunchy air-fried cauliflower wings.
- Serve immediately: The buffalo cauliflower wings are best right out of the air fryer and will become soggy as they sit.
- For buffalo cauliflower bites: Break florets into bite-sized pieces and air fry for 10-12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping sauce: Like this easy vegan cheese sauce, vegan ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and/or guacamole.
- Crudites: Like carrot or celery sticks.
- Alongside other appetizers: Like these easy vegan jalapeno poppers, vegan cobb salad, or vegan poutine.
You can also enjoy the crispy buffalo cauliflower in vegan wraps, tacos, as part of a salad bowl, or as a side dish.
Storage Instructions
The vegan cauliflower buffalo wings are crispiest right out of the air fryer, but can be stored:
Fridge: In an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer: It's best to freeze par-cooked (about 10-12 minutes) air fryer cauliflower wings. Bake from frozen until hot and crispy, then toss in the sauce.
Reheat: Back in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes at 350°F/175 °C until crispy.
More Vegan Appetizer Recipes to Consider....
If you tried this air fryer buffalo cauliflower wings recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- 1 large cauliflower chopped into equal bite-sized florets
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup plant-based milk
- 1 cup vegan buffalo sauce (like Franks or Primal Kitchen)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk. Add the cauliflower florets and gently toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 ¼ cups of plant-based milk until a smooth, thick-but-runny batter forms.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's well coated. Gently shake off any excess batter and place the floret into the air fryer basket.
- Repeat with remaining florets, making sure they are not touching in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and lightly golden.
- Once done, transfer the cauliflower to a large clean bowl and pour the remaining 1 cup of buffalo sauce over the top. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use even-sized florets: To ensure they air fry evenly.
- Coat the cauliflower properly: Thoroughly coat the florets (every nook!), then gently shake off excess for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Otherwise, they'll steam and remain soggy instead of crisping up into perfectly crunchy air-fried cauliflower wings.
- Serve immediately: The buffalo cauliflower wings are best right out of the air fryer and will become soggy as they sit.
Andrea says
the best cauli wings!!