Dinner

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe

Bylina Carter January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a delicious, crispy, and healthy alternative to traditional chicken wings. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, they make a fantastic snack or appetizer that even non-vegans will love.

A white rectangular plate is full of golden brown roasted cauliflower florets with some darker charred spots, garnished with green parsley leaves and accompanied by two lime wedges on the side. To the left of the plate, there are three small white bowls placed vertically, each holding a different sauce: the top bowl contains a creamy pale green sauce with one cauliflower floret dipped inside, the middle bowl has a smooth white sauce, and the bottom bowl holds a light orange sauce with a swirl on top. Fresh parsley sprigs are scattered around the dishes on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp onion powder

1 pinch chili powder (to taste)
1 tsp sea salt

Black pepper to taste
Lemon or lime wedges, vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cut or tear the cauliflower head into medium-sized florets and place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Spray the florets with olive oil using an oil spray, or drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil and toss. For oil-free options, use a drizzle of tahini or a splash of water instead.
Step 3: Sprinkle smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) over the florets. Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C). Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the cauliflower.

Step 5: Arrange the florets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer without overlapping to ensure crisping.
Step 6: Air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through to brown evenly. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 7: Serve warm with lemon or lime wedges and your choice of vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet, omit the oil and replace it with a drizzle of tahini or a splash of water.
Try adding different spices like garlic powder or smoked chipotle for extra flavor.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the cauliflower crispy instead of steamed.

Serve with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Storage

Store any leftover cauliflower wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until crisp, or warm them in a conventional oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white rectangular plate holds a stack of golden-brown roasted cauliflower florets with some charred spots, garnished with small green parsley leaves, and two lime wedges placed on the side. To the left, there is a white bowl with creamy light green sauce topped with one roasted cauliflower floret, and below it are two small white dishes, one filled with creamy white sauce and the other with a smooth orange sauce. Sprigs of fresh green parsley are scattered around the dishes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for crispier wings. Frozen cauliflower tends to release moisture, which may make the wings soggy instead of crispy.