Crispy 30-Min Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite game-day snack – these crispy air-fryer cauliflower wings with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dip. I swear, they’ll make even the most devoted chicken wing lovers do a double take! After testing this recipe more times than I can count (my neighbors have gotten quite a few “experimental” batches), I’ve perfected that magical combo of crunchy exterior, tender cauliflower inside, and that addictive spicy-tangy buffalo kick.

What makes these special? That air fryer magic gives them an incredible crispiness without all the oil of deep frying. And that creamy blue cheese dip? Pure heaven with the spicy buffalo coating. Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking for a lighter appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these cauliflower wings are about to become your new obsession. Trust me – they disappear faster than you can say “more please!” at every party I bring them to.

Why You’ll Love These Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce & Blue Cheese Dip

Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These cauliflower wings are seriously life-changing. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for them:

• Crazy crispy without deep frying – that air fryer magic gives them the perfect crunch
• Ready in under 30 minutes from fridge to table (game day hero status!)
• Totally vegetarian-friendly but meat lovers won’t even miss the chicken
• Spice level is totally up to you – add more buffalo sauce if you dare!
• That cool, creamy blue cheese dip balances the heat perfectly
• Always the first appetizer to disappear at parties (I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last piece)

Honestly, the air fryer makes these so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with messy deep frying. And that moment when you bite into one? Pure crispy, spicy, tangy bliss!

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce & Blue Cheese Dip

Alright, let’s gather our flavor weapons! These are the simple ingredients that’ll transform basic cauliflower into something magical. Trust me, every single one plays an important role in creating that perfect crispy-spicy-tangy balance we’re after.

For the Cauliflower Wings

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1.5-inch florets (about 5 cups – not too big, not too small!)
• 1 cup packed all-purpose flour (pack it in there for the perfect batter thickness)
• 1 cup water (just regular tap water is fine)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (our flavor booster)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for that gorgeous golden color)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (brings all the flavors together)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (none of that pre-ground dust!)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (I use Frank’s, but your favorite brand works)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (makes the sauce cling perfectly)

For the Blue Cheese Dip

• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (the chunkier the better, in my opinion)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (full-fat for maximum creaminess)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (the secret to that rich texture)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (just a squeeze to brighten everything up)

See? Nothing crazy or hard-to-find here. Just good, simple ingredients that work together like best friends. Now let’s turn them into something amazing!

How to Make Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce & Blue Cheese Dip

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is way easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the crispiest, most flavorful cauliflower wings you’ve ever tasted. My secret? That double-cook method in the air fryer – it makes all the difference!

Preparing the Batter and Coating

First things first – get that air fryer preheating to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for that instant crispiness when the cauliflower hits the basket! While it’s heating up, let’s make our magic batter.

Grab a big bowl and whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You want it smooth – about the consistency of pancake batter. Too thick? Add a splash more water. Too thin? A sprinkle more flour. Easy peasy!

Now toss in those beautiful cauliflower florets. I use my hands (messy but effective!) to make sure every nook and cranny gets coated. The batter should cling nicely – not too gloppy, not too thin. Perfect for creating that crispy shell we’re after!

Air Frying the Cauliflower

Here’s where the magic happens! Arrange your battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No overcrowding – they need space to crisp up properly. I usually do batches if needed (patience pays off!).

Cook for about 15 minutes total, but here’s the key – flip them at the 8-minute mark! This ensures even browning on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Oh, that smell is incredible already!

Tossing in Buffalo Sauce and Final Cook

While the cauliflower cooks, mix your buffalo sauce and melted butter in a big bowl. When the florets come out crispy from their first fry, toss them gently in this spicy mixture. Get them nicely coated but don’t drown them – we want that perfect balance.

Pop them back in the air fryer for just 5 more minutes. This final cook makes the sauce cling beautifully and gives them an extra crispy edge. Watch carefully – you don’t want them to burn, just get that perfect sticky-spicy finish!

Making the Blue Cheese Dip

While your wings are finishing up, let’s whip up that cooling dip. Simply combine the blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl. I like to mash it slightly with a fork – some chunks of blue cheese should remain for texture. Taste it – needs more tang? Add another squeeze of lemon. Too thick? A splash of milk will loosen it up.

And there you have it! Crispy, spicy cauliflower wings with the perfect cooling dip. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy – I promise they won’t last long!

Expert Tips for Perfect Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

After making these about a hundred times (no exaggeration!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfect wings every single time:

• Spritz with oil – A quick spray of cooking oil before air frying gives that extra crispiness we all crave
• Give them space! Overcrowding = steamed cauliflower, not crispy wings. Cook in batches if needed
• Buffalo sauce is flexible – Start with half if you’re spice-shy, then add more to taste
• Serve immediately – They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer (but I won’t judge if you eat them straight from the basket!)
• Flip with care – Use tongs when turning so you don’t lose that precious coating

Trust me – follow these simple tips and you’ll have wings so good, no one will believe they’re vegetarian!

Variations for Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings! Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:

• Ranch lovers unite! Swap the blue cheese dip for cool, herby ranch dressing
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF flour blend – it works like a charm
• Smoky twist: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the batter for depth
• Sweet heat: Mix in 1 tbsp honey with the buffalo sauce for balance
• Extra crunchy: Toss in 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with the batter

See? Endless possibilities to make these wings your own. What variation will you try first?

Serving Suggestions for Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Oh, the fun part – serving these crispy little flavor bombs! I love piling them high on a big platter with crunchy celery sticks and carrot chips – that cool crunch is perfect with the spicy wings. For game day? They’re an absolute must with ice-cold beers and plenty of napkins (things get messy in the best way!).

Sometimes I’ll serve them over a light salad for a full meal – the heat plays so nicely with crisp greens. But honestly? They’re so addictive they rarely make it past the coffee table when friends come over. Just set them out with extra blue cheese dip and watch the magic happen!

Storing and Reheating Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Okay, let’s be real – these rarely last long enough to store! But if you somehow have leftovers (superhuman willpower?), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay good for about 3 days. The dip can hang out in its own little container too. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave unless you like soggy wings (no judgment!). Instead, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to bring back that magical crispiness. They won’t be quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still disappear fast – trust me!

Nutritional Information for Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

Now, let’s talk numbers – because I know some of you are curious! Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving of these cauliflower wings (about a quarter of the recipe). But remember: these are estimates – actual values can vary depending on your exact ingredients and brands.

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 18g (8g saturated, 8g unsaturated)
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg

Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The cauliflower gives you that fiber boost, while the blue cheese and butter bring the richness. If you’re watching sodium, you can always go easy on the buffalo sauce or use a low-sodium version. But hey – everything in moderation, especially when it comes to game day snacks!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Fryer Cauliflower Wings

I get asked about these cauliflower wings ALL the time – so let me answer the most common questions before they even pop into your head! These are the real questions my friends and family keep hitting me with every time I make a batch.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with a 1:1 GF flour – the batter comes out perfect. Just make sure your buffalo sauce is GF too (most are, but always check the label). The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be deliciously crispy!

How Do I Prevent Soggy Wings?

The number one trick? Don’t skip that second cook after adding the buffalo sauce! Those extra 5 minutes in the air fryer make all the difference. Also – don’t drown the wings in sauce when tossing (I know it’s tempting!). And whatever you do, serve them immediately – they’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer basket.

Can I Prep These Ahead?

You can batter the cauliflower and keep it in the fridge for about 2 hours before cooking – but no longer or it gets soggy. The blue cheese dip can be made a day ahead (it actually gets better as flavors meld). But honestly? These are best cooked fresh. The whole process is so quick, it’s worth doing last-minute for that perfect crispiness!

Got more questions? Just ask – I could talk about these wings all day! But I promise once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re my most-requested party snack.

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