Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings: The Perfect Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, less greasy versions of your favourite fried foods. Cauliflower wings are a tasty vegan and vegetarian alternative to chicken wings, and can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are made by coating cauliflower florets in a batter of flour, cornstarch, and spices, before air frying until crispy, and tossing in a sauce of your choice.

Choosing the right cauliflower

Size and Freshness:

Look for a medium to large head of cauliflower with a compact, dense shape. The cauliflower should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is fresh and moist. Avoid smaller or loose heads as they may not provide enough florets for your recipe.

Colour and Texture:

Opt for a cauliflower with a bright, creamy white colour. The florets should be tightly packed and firm to the touch, with no signs of discolouration, bruising, or soft spots. Fresh cauliflower will have crisp, vibrant green leaves. Avoid cauliflower with wilted or yellowing leaves as it may be past its prime.

Floret Size and Uniformity:

When cutting the cauliflower into florets, aim for medium to small-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Try to keep the florets relatively uniform in size so they cook at the same rate. Smaller florets are ideal for air frying as they will cook through while remaining crispy on the outside.

Seasonality:

While cauliflower is available year-round, its peak season is typically from fall through spring. During these months, you're more likely to find the freshest, most flavourful cauliflower. Look for locally grown cauliflower at your farmers' market or grocery store.

Smell:

Fresh cauliflower should have a mild, slightly nutty aroma. If it has a strong or pungent odour, it may be past its prime or beginning to spoil. Trust your nose—if something doesn't smell right, it's best to choose another head of cauliflower.

Remember, when preparing your cauliflower wings, be sure to remove the coarse outer leaves and cut the florets to the appropriate size. By choosing the right cauliflower and following these simple tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and crispy air fryer cauliflower wings!

Preparing the batter

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the batter:

• Flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• Cornstarch
• Non-dairy milk (soy or almond milk)
• Spices (garlic salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper)
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step 1: Make the Wet Mixture

Start by making a thickened egg-like mixture. Heat the non-dairy milk and cornstarch together in a saucepan until the cornstarch dissolves. Continue heating the mixture until it slightly thickens, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Set it aside to let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Dry Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and your desired spices. You can adjust the spice measurements based on your preferred level of spiciness. If you want to add an extra kick, include red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut a head of cauliflower into medium or small florets. You can also cut it into "drumstick-like pieces" or "wing-shaped pieces" to resemble chicken wings. The size should be big enough for easy dredging and bite-sized consumption.

Step 4: Dredge the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower piece into the dry mixture, then into the wet mixture, and finally back into the dry mixture. Ensure you shake off any excess batter before placing the battered cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer. Repeat this process for all the cauliflower pieces.

Tips:

• You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper cooking and browning of the cauliflower.
• Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray to minimize sticking.

Cooking method and timing

The cooking method and timing for air fryer cauliflower wings can vary depending on the specific recipe and your desired level of crispness. However, here is a general guide:

Preparation:

Begin by cutting a head of cauliflower into medium or small florets, or "wing-shaped pieces". You can also remove most of the stem to make it easier to coat and eat.

Battering:

There are different ways to batter the cauliflower, but a common method is to use a wet and a dry mixture. For the dry mixture, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl. For the wet mixture, heat dairy-free milk (such as soy or almond milk) with cornstarch until dissolved, then let it cool.

Dip each cauliflower floret first into the dry mixture, then into the wet mixture, and finally back into the dry mixture. Make sure to tap off any excess batter.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to between 370-400°F. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the cauliflower for 7-12 minutes. For some recipes, it is recommended to flip the florets halfway through the cooking time. After removing them from the air fryer, test one floret for doneness, and add more time if needed.

Sauce and Serving:

While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your desired sauce, such as buffalo sauce, honey buffalo sauce, or a spicy sesame garlic sauce. Once the florets are cooked, toss them in the sauce until well coated.

Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or vegan alternatives.

Tips:

• Do not overcook the cauliflower, as it can become mushy and fall apart.
• Ensure there is adequate airflow in your air fryer by not overcrowding the basket and leaving space between each floret.
• Sauce the cauliflower twice for extra flavour - once halfway through cooking and once just before serving.
• These cauliflower wings are best served fresh, as they can lose their crispness over time.

Making the sauce

The sauce is a key component of air fryer cauliflower wings, adding flavour and moisture to the dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the sauce:

Ingredients

• Hot sauce (e.g. Frank's Red Hot Sauce)
• Butter (vegan or regular)
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Other spices to taste (e.g. cayenne, smoked paprika, onion powder)

Instructions

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add in your chosen hot sauce, along with the honey or maple syrup (if using). For a vegan option, substitute honey with agave or maple syrup, and use vegan butter.

Next, add in the garlic powder and paprika, along with any other spices you wish to include. Stir the sauce well to combine all the ingredients. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing together cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl. Add this slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously, and bring the sauce to a low boil. Once it reaches a low boil, remove it from the heat and set it aside to thicken.

This sauce can be brushed onto the cauliflower wings or used as a dipping sauce. For the best flavour, brush the sauce onto the wings twice: once halfway through the cooking process, and once just before serving.

You can also serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option, along with other sauces like vegan ranch, blue cheese dressing, or tartar sauce.

Serving suggestions

These cauliflower wings are a great snack or appetiser and can be served with a variety of dips and sides.

For a traditional buffalo wings experience, serve with carrots and celery sticks, and a blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. You can make your own vegan ranch dressing with vegan mayo, soy milk, fresh chopped parsley, dried dill, and garlic powder.

If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, try a spicy sauce like sriracha or a honey BBQ sauce. A smokey habanero sauce or a mild Asian chilli sauce also pairs well with the crispy, crunchy texture of the cauliflower wings.

For a lighter option, you can serve the wings without a sauce or breading. Drizzle the cauliflower with oil and air fry, then toss in a sesame sauce. This option is much lower in carbs and calories.

If you're serving the wings as a main dish, they go well with fresh jasmine rice or cauliflower rice.

Frequently asked questions