Get ready to transform the humble cauliflower into a crispy, saucy sensation that will have even meat-lovers begging for more! These Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings are about to revolutionize your appetizer game, offering a healthier, plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings that are impossibly crunchy, bursting with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option, or simply craving something deliciously addictive, these cauliflower wings are your ultimate culinary solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by washing thoroughly and cutting into uniform bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until you create a smooth, thick batter with no lumps.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring complete and even coating. Gently shake off excess batter to prevent clumping.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper heating.
- Arrange battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in multiple batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Once cauliflower is golden and crispy, remove from air fryer and immediately toss in BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Return sauced cauliflower to air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce and create a slightly sticky exterior.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh herbs if desired. Pair with additional BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Ensure your cauliflower florets are similar in size for consistent cooking and crispy results.
- Don't skip patting the cauliflower dry before battering - excess moisture can prevent a crispy coating.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain optimal crispiness.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the cauliflower by dipping in batter twice.
- Let the BBQ sauce caramelize slightly in the final air frying stage for maximum flavor intensity.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties to find your perfect flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 176kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
