Description
These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Coated with a smoky paprika and spice blend, then air-fried to crispy perfection, they make a perfect vegan appetizer or snack served with your favorite dipping sauces like vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri. Ideal for those seeking a plant-based, low-fat, and gluten-free option.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Wings
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into medium-sized florets
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, omit for WFPB and Plantricious diets)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Black pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions
- Lemon or lime wedges
- Vegan aioli
- Cashew queso
- Chimichurri sauce
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower: Cut or tear the cauliflower head into medium-sized florets, ensuring they are not too small to maintain a good texture when air frying. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl.
- Spray with oil: Lightly spray the cauliflower florets with olive oil or toss them with about one tablespoon of olive oil for even coating. For Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) and Plantricious diets, omit oil and instead drizzle with tahini or a splash of water.
- Season the cauliflower: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder evenly over the florets. Toss well to ensure all pieces are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (232°C). If using a different air fryer model than the Breville Smart Oven Air-Fryer, monitor the cooking progress carefully as timing may vary.
- Air fry the florets: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer without overcrowding to allow crisping. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through cooking using tongs to ensure even browning and crispiness. If your air fryer basket is small, cook in batches to avoid steaming.
- Serve: Once crisp and golden, remove the cauliflower wings and serve hot with lemon or lime wedges and your choice of vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce.
- Optional WFPB variation: To make this recipe fully compliant with Whole Food Plant-Based and Plantricious diets, omit the olive oil and instead lightly toss the florets with tahini or water before adding the seasoning.
Notes
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the cauliflower in batches to ensure they crisp up properly instead of steaming.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- For oil-free preparation compliant with WFPB and Plantricious diets, substitute olive oil with a drizzle of tahini or a splash of water.
- Check the cauliflower halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking, as air fryer models vary in heat distribution and timing.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness, as the cauliflower wings may lose texture if held too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer cauliflower wings, vegan wings, healthy appetizer, plant-based snacks, gluten-free appetizer, vegan party food
