Are you ready for a tasty twist on a classic dish? These Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings are both easy to make and packed with flavor. With a crispy exterior and smoky BBQ taste, they satisfy cravings without the guilt of frying. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just looking for a healthy snack, these delicious wings will impress everyone at your table. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
To make Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings, you need a few key items. First, the star of the dish is the cauliflower. Choose a fresh head and cut it into bite-sized florets.
Next, gather your dry ingredients. These include all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The flour acts as a base and helps create a nice crust.
For the liquid, you will use plant-based milk. Almond or soy milk works great. This will blend with the dry ingredients to make a batter.
Lastly, you need BBQ sauce. You can pick your favorite brand or even make your own. For a pop of color, have fresh cilantro or parsley ready for garnish.
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both tasty and simple.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cauliflower
First, rinse the cauliflower head under cool water. This helps remove any dirt. Then, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. You want them to be even in size. This way, they cook evenly. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl. Make sure to set it aside for later.
Making the Batter
In a separate bowl, combine the dry and wet ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix until smooth and creamy. The batter should not be too thick or too runny. This consistency will help coat the cauliflower well.
Coating the Cauliflower
Now, it’s time to coat the florets. Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter. Make sure each floret is well-coated. Allow the excess batter to drip off. Place the battered florets on a plate. This step helps reduce mess and ensures uniform coating.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cauliflower cooks quickly and evenly.
Air Frying Process
Arrange the coated cauliflower wings in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Air fry them for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them become crispy on all sides.
Adding BBQ Sauce and Final Fry
After cooking, remove the cauliflower wings from the air fryer. Place them back in the mixing bowl. Drizzle your favorite BBQ sauce over them. Fold the wings gently to coat them evenly. Return the coated wings to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Carefully transfer the wings to a serving platter. For a nice touch, garnish them with fresh cilantro or parsley. This adds color and flavor. Now, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Crispy Cauliflower
– To get a great batter, use equal parts of flour and plant-based milk. This mix should be smooth and thick but not too heavy.
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps the cauliflower wings cook evenly and get crispy.
Making it Flavorful
– Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to your batter. These spices give the cauliflower a nice kick.
– For BBQ sauce, use your favorite brand or make your own. Mixing honey or maple syrup can add a sweet touch.
Cooking in Batches
– When air frying many wings, avoid crowding the basket. This ensures they cook well and stay crispy.
– Keep cooked wings warm in a low oven while you finish frying the rest. This keeps them hot and delicious for serving.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can create many flavors with your BBQ cauliflower wings. Start with your BBQ sauce choice. You can use spicy, sweet, or tangy sauces. Spicy sauces add heat, while sweet ones can balance the flavor. Tangy sauces offer a bright kick.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings, too. You can add cayenne for a spicy kick or honey for sweetness. Try using different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Each change can make the dish fun and unique.
Dietary Adjustments
Want to make these wings gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. There are many good options available at stores. You can also use chickpea flour for added protein.
If you follow a vegan diet, the recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just make sure your BBQ sauce is free from animal products. Look for sauces that use plant-based ingredients.
Other Vegetable Options
Cauliflower wings are great, but you can use other veggies. Broccoli makes a fun substitute. It cooks well and soaks up flavors. Zucchini is another option. Cut it into thin strips and coat it just like the cauliflower.
Feel free to mix and match these veggies. Each one brings its own taste and texture to your dish. You can create new favorite flavors with simple swaps!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cauliflower wings fresh, use a good container. I recommend an airtight glass container. This helps stop moisture from ruining the crispiness. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose their taste and texture.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to bring back that crispy texture is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them crunchy. You want to avoid sogginess, so don’t use the microwave. It can make them soft and less tasty. Enjoy your tasty wings!
FAQs
How long do I air fry cauliflower wings?
Air fry cauliflower wings for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket halfway through. This helps ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. They should be golden brown when done.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Thaw the florets before use. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This step helps the batter stick better and keeps the wings crispy.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for these wings. Store-bought sauces work well. If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a quick blend. Sweet, tangy, or spicy flavors all work great.
Are air fryer cauliflower wings healthy?
Yes, these wings are healthier than deep-fried options. You use less oil, making them lower in calories. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins and fiber. It’s a great way to enjoy a tasty snack without the guilt.
Can I make these cauliflower wings ahead of time?
You can prep the cauliflower and batter ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just coat the florets and air fry when you’re ready. This makes it easy to serve fresh, hot wings.
In this post, I covered how to make delicious air fryer cauliflower wings. We explored the key ingredients, preparation steps, and serving ideas. I shared tips for achieving crispy texture and flavor, along with variations and storage info. These wings are fun to make and enjoy. You can easily customize them to fit your tastes. Try different sauces and spices. With the right techniques, you can impress friends and family and serve a healthy snack. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
