Cauliflower wings have earned their place at the table, and for good reason. They’re bold, flavorful, and totally satisfying, with just the right amount of heat and crunch.
This air fryer version skips the oil and deep-frying but still delivers on crispiness. A simple batter helps them cook up golden and crunchy on the outside, while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Once coated in a spicy sauce, they’re ready to serve as a game day snack, movie night treat, or even tucked into wraps and grain bowls.
They’re completely plant-based, easy to customize, and cook up in under 30 minutes.
Why These Cauliflower Wings Work
The air fryer gives you that crispy coating without needing a pot of hot oil. It’s cleaner, faster, and easier to manage.
The batter uses simple ingredients and clings well to the cauliflower. Once cooked, the wings are tossed in a spicy sauce that’s just the right balance of heat, tang, and sweetness.
These cauliflower wings are perfect for sharing, but don’t be surprised if the whole tray disappears before you can pass them around.
Ingredients for Vegan Cauliflower Wings
For the batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the wings:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or neutral oil, melted
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat
How to Make Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer
1. Mix the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant milk, cornstarch, and spices until smooth.
2. Coat the cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s well coated. Shake off any excess and place on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Air fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
4. Toss in sauce
While the wings cook, stir together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Once the cauliflower is cooked, toss it gently in the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Return to air fryer
Place the sauced wings back in the air fryer for another 3 to 5 minutes to set the coating and add a little extra crispness.
Tips for Great Cauliflower Wings
If you’re trying this recipe for the first time, bear these tips in mind:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed so everything crisps evenly.
- For milder wings, use less hot sauce or mix it with more maple syrup.
- If your air fryer has a tendency to stick, lightly spray the basket or use parchment paper with holes.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions For Our Vegan Cauliflower Wings
These cauliflower wings are bold enough to stand on their own but even better with simple sides or dipping sauces. Try them with:
- Vegan ranch or garlic mayo
- Celery sticks and carrot batons
- Tucked into wraps with slaw
- Over rice or grains for a quick meal.
Storage and Reheating Your Cauliflower Wings
If you have some leftover, here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Use the air fryer or oven to re-crisp. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soft
- Freeze: Not recommended once sauced, but plain battered wings can be frozen before the final cook
Final Thoughts
These spicy vegan cauliflower wings are everything you want in a snack. They’re crispy, saucy, and just the right amount of messy.
The air fryer makes them easy to pull off without the stress of frying, and the bold flavor keeps everyone reaching for more.
Serve them at your next get-together or make a tray just for yourself. No one’s judging.
Spicy and Crispy Vegan Cauliflower Wings in the Air Fryer
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
- For the batter:
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened plant milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the wings:
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- For the sauce:
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon vegan butter or neutral oil, melted
Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat
Directions
- Mix the batter
- Coat the cauliflower
- Air fry
- Toss in sauce
- Return to air fryer
