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Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings will be your new favorite party appetizer! Crunchy on the outside and coated in sweet sticky BBQ sauce, they are decedent with far fewer calories. Make this for your next family gathering.
You may also like my air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites.
You will like these Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings better than chicken wings. They taste so amazing. These BBQ cauliflower wings come together in minutes and are perfect for sharing, making for a perfect appetizer for a crowd. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
I like to toss mine in Honey BBQ sauce, however, you can use whatever BBQ sauce you have on hand. Smoky, spicy, and sweet, they are all winners! You can even use a Homemade BBQ sauce.
My favorite part is that they’re made in the air fryer which means no deep-frying, or coating in large amounts of oil and baking them in the oven. You could never tell though! They may be super light, but they taste decadent. Try making these crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings at your next party or family gathering!
Recipe summary
- Easy: These are easier and quicker than regular chicken wings! They don’t need to be brined, and the cauliflower cooks super quickly in the air fryer.
- Light: No deep fryer here! These cauliflower wings are made in an air fryer so all you’ll use is a spray or two of oil.
- Vegetarian: Made of cauliflower making them perfect to share as an appetizer with vegetarian friends.
- Tastes SO good: These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings taste like a treat but they’re actually really good for you! Crunchy on the outside and soft inside, they are addictive!
Ingredients you will need
Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make these cauliflower wings. Full measurements are listed further down below in the recipe card.
- Cauliflower: I used one whole head of cauliflower, cut into florets. This recipe would also work with broccoli if you’re not a fan of cauliflower.
- Buttermilk: Classic chicken wings are marinated in buttermilk to tenderize the meat, and also give it that delicious tart and rich buttermilk flavor. Cauliflower doesn’t need to tenderize. Simply dip it in the buttermilk for the taste!
- Egg: Egg is a binding ingredient that helps the other ingredients stick together.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour if you’d prefer.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt season these BBQ cauliflower wings perfectly. Feel free to add a little black pepper or smoked paprika!
- Breadcrumbs: I added panko breadcrumbs to give these air fryer wings a crunchy texture. It is addictive!
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite kind of BBQ sauce! I like honey BBQ sauce or a spicy smoky BBQ sauce. You can always make your own if you have a little extra time. It’s super easy!
How to make BBQ Cauliflower Wings
1. Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk together with the egg, flour, and seasonings.
3. Place the cauliflower florets into the buttermilk mixture and stir to completely coat.
4. Transfer each piece into the breadcrumbs and gently press to adhere on all sides; place into the air fryer basket.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
6. Spray the coated cauliflower from the air fryer with cooking oil spray.
7. Air fry the cauliflower in two batches for 14-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. Shake the basket to ensure that the cauliflower is evenly cooked.
8. Meanwhile, add the BBQ sauce to a large bowl.
9. You will be able to tell the cauliflower is ready when it has turned golden brown and crunchy. Once the cauliflower is done air frying, transfer it to the bowl with the BBQ sauce, tossing it to coat. Serve alongside your favorite dips and celery sticks.
Tips from my kitchen
- I like these to be super crunchy. So a lot of times, after I toss in BBQ sauce, I air fry them again for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, use broccoli instead! It’s a great way to add extra greens to your day.
- Switch up the BBQ sauce flavor. Try honey BBQ, sweet mustard BBQ, hoisin BBQ for an Asian twist, or classic Carolina, Memphis, or Kansas City BBQ sauce! You can also try my homemade Buffalo Sauce instead.
- Serve with a side of my homemade Ranch Dressing! It’s so creamy, tangy, and easy to throw together.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have any leftover cauliflower wings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months but keep in mind their texture will change.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the best way to cook them! Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings turn out crispy on the outside, and soft inside. They use very little oil making them a healthy vegetarian option.
I air-fry my cauliflower wings for about 14-16 minutes, giving the basket a little shake halfway to make sure they are all evenly cooked.
Yes. You can place frozen cauliflower in the air fryer. They will just need an additional 3-5 minutes to get them crispy and ready.
Most cauliflower wings you order at restaurants will most likely be fried unless indicated that they are baked. You can always air fryer your buffalo cauliflower wings at home for a much healthier option.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Homemade Onion Rings
- 2Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu
Recipes you may also like
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Keto Cauliflower Bites
- 2 Ingredients Bagel
- How to Cook Couscous
- Spicy Honey Baked Cauliflower
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Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, or oat flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
- cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Cut the 1 medium head cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a large bowl, whisk the ¾ cup buttermilk together with the 1 large egg, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder,and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Place the cauliflower florets into the buttermilk mixture and stir to completely coat.
- Transfer each piece to the 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and gently press to adhere on all sides; place into the air fryer basket.
- Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Spray the coated cauliflower from the air fryer with cooking oil spray. Air fry the cauliflower in two batches for 14-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Meanwhile, add the 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce to a large bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is done air frying, transfer to the bowl with the BBQ sauce and toss to coat.
Video
Notes
- If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, use broccoli instead!
- Serve with a side of my homemade Ranch Dressing.
- Store these cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
