Introduction

These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional chicken wings. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to a golden crunch, they make a great snack or appetizer, especially for those seeking a plant-based option.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp onion powder
1 pinch chili powder (to taste)
1 tsp sea salt
Black pepper to taste
Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)
Vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cut or tear the cauliflower head into medium-sized florets and place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Spray the cauliflower florets with olive oil using an olive oil spray, or drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil over them. For a WFPB or Plantricious diet, omit the oil and use a drizzle of tahini or a splash of water instead.
Step 3: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) over the cauliflower. Toss well to ensure all florets are evenly coated.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C). If using a different model than the Breville Smart Oven Air-Fryer, monitor the cooking closely as times may vary.
Step 5: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they do not touch.
Step 6: Air fry the cauliflower wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. If your basket is small, cook in batches to avoid steaming.
Step 7: Once crisp and golden, remove the cauliflower wings from the air fryer and serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges and your choice of vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce.

Tips & Variations

For WFPB and Plantricious compliance, replace olive oil with a splash of water or a drizzle of tahini instead of oil to keep the wings moist while air frying.
Adjust the chili powder amount to control the heat level according to your preference.
Try serving with different sauces like buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce for a change in flavor.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best for achieving a crispy texture. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more moisture and may not crisp up as well in the air fryer.

Is it possible to bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower wings in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the texture and color.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe

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These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional wings, featuring crispy, seasoned cauliflower florets cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer and can be enjoyed with a variety of vegan sauces like aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri. This recipe is quick, easy, and customizable to fit various dietary needs including Whole Food Plant-Based and Plantricious diets by omitting oil.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Wings

1 medium cauliflower
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (optional for WFPB & Plantricious diets)
2 tsp onion powder
1 pinch chili powder (to taste)
1 tsp sea salt
Black pepper to taste

Serving Suggestions

Lemon or lime wedges
Vegan aioli
Cashew queso
Chimichurri sauce

Instructions

Cut the Cauliflower: Cut or tear the cauliflower head into decent-sized florets, not baby ones. Place them in a large bowl.
Spray with Oil: Spray the cauliflower with olive oil using an olive oil spray or toss with about one tablespoon of olive oil. For Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) and Plantricious diets, omit the oil and use a drizzle of tahini or water instead.
Season the Florets: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) over the cauliflower. Toss well to coat all the florets evenly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F. If using a different brand or model (other than Breville Smart Oven Air-Fryer), monitor closely as cooking times may vary.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket or tray without overlapping, ensuring they are spaced apart for crispiness. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through for even cooking.
Serve: Once crispy and tender, serve your cauliflower wings with lemon or lime wedges and your choice of vegan dipping sauces such as vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce.

Notes

To keep the recipe Whole Food Plant-Based and Plantricious compliant, omit the olive oil and replace it with a splash of water or a drizzle of tahini before seasoning.
Keep an eye on the cauliflower while air frying especially if using a different air fryer model, as cooking times and temperatures can vary.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming and ensure crispiness.
This recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.

Keywords: air fryer cauliflower wings, vegan cauliflower wings, healthy snacks, air fryer recipes, gluten free, vegetarian appetizers, plant-based wings