Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Batter Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until they are well combined. The aroma of the spices will start to fill your kitchen. Next, add the unsweetened almond milk and continue to whisk until the batter is completely smooth and lump-free. It should have a consistency that is thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but not overly heavy.
Step 2: Coating the Cauliflower
- Add your bite-sized cauliflower florets to the prepared batter. Toss them gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. You want to see a nice, even layer of batter clinging to the surface of every floret. This ensures a consistent crispiness.
Step 3: Air Frying (or Baking)
- For air frying, place the battered florets in a single layer, evenly spaced out, in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook the cauliflower, tossing them once halfway through, until they are wonderfully crispy and lightly browned. This usually takes about 15 minutes, resulting in a golden-brown color and a slightly firm texture.
Step 4: Buffalo Sauce
- While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your buffalo sauce. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and the melted unsalted butter until they are completely combined and smooth. As the butter melts into the hot sauce, it will become an emulsified, vibrant sauce with a rich aroma.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Once your air fried cauliflower is crispy and ready, immediately toss it into the prepared buffalo sauce. Ensure all the florets are evenly coated in the delicious, spicy sauce. These buffalo cauliflower wings are best when served immediately to enjoy their maximum crispiness and flavor, perhaps with a side of blue cheese dressing.
Step 6: Oven Baking Instructions (Alternative Method)
- Alternatively, you can bake these crispy buffalo cauliflower wings in your oven. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until combined. Add almond milk and whisk until smooth. Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated.
- Place the battered florets onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. Bake until they are crispy and golden-brown, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
- While the cauliflower is baking, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted unsalted butter in a large bowl until combined. Once the cauliflower is baked, toss it in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. These are best when served immediately, perhaps with blue cheese dressing.
Notes
For maximum crispiness, ensure cauliflower florets are completely dry before coating. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer or baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation. Consider a wire rack for oven baking. These wings are best served immediately after tossing in buffalo sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven. For make-ahead, prepare florets and batter separately. Enjoy with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks, and your favorite game day beverages. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.