Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews
  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings are a crispy, flavorful vegan alternative to traditional wings, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Seasoned with smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper, then air fried to crispy perfection, they pair beautifully with a variety of vegan dips like aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce. This healthy recipe is adaptable for Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) and Plantricious diets by omitting oil and using water or tahini instead.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Wings

  • 1 medium cauliflower head
  • 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use a drizzle of tahini or water for WFPB/Plantricious)
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 pinch chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

To Serve

  • Lemon or lime wedges
  • Vegan aioli
  • Cashew queso
  • Chimichurri sauce

Instructions

  1. Cut the Cauliflower: Cut or tear the cauliflower head into medium-sized florets. Avoid making them too small or too large to ensure even cooking.
  2. Oil the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the florets with olive oil using an oil spray or toss them with about one tablespoon of olive oil. For Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) or Plantricious diets, omit the oil and instead drizzle with tahini or a splash of water.
  3. Season the Florets: Sprinkle the cauliflower evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder if desired. Toss well to coat all florets thoroughly.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (232°C). Note that cooking times may vary depending on your model; if using a different brand, monitor doneness closely.
  5. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other for maximum crispness. Air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the florets halfway through cooking.
  6. Serve: Once crispy and cooked through, serve the cauliflower wings with lemon or lime wedges alongside your choice of vegan aioli, cashew queso, or chimichurri sauce.

Notes

  • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower wings in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For WFPB and Plantricious compliance, omit oil and use a splash of water or tahini to moisten the cauliflower before seasoning.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • These wings make a great appetizer or side dish and can be customized with your favorite vegan dipping sauces.
  • 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 snack, cauliflower recipe, air frying, vegan dipping sauces

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://yummybylina.com/air-fryer-cauliflower-wings-recipe/