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- Cauliflower florets - All-purpose flour (or gluten-free option) - Unsweetened plant-based milk Cauliflower is the star of this dish. Choose a medium head for the best bite-sized florets. All-purpose flour helps create a crispy coating. If gluten is a concern, use a gluten-free flour. The unsweetened plant-based milk helps the batter stick and keeps it tasty. - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Paprika and smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper Seasoning makes all the difference. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth of flavor. Paprika gives a nice color and a hint of sweetness. Smoked paprika brings a rich, smoky taste. Salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor and balance it out. - BBQ sauce - Olive oil for coating and spraying - Fresh herbs for garnish BBQ sauce is what makes these wings shine. Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce. Olive oil helps the wings crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, add a pop of color and freshness. They make the dish look and taste even better. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for great results. Preheating helps the wings cook evenly. It takes about 5 minutes, so plan accordingly. Next, we will prepare the coating. In a large bowl, mix together these dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Whisk them well until they blend into one mixture. Now, slowly add 1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk. Stir until you get a smooth batter. The right thickness is important; it should cling to the florets without dripping. Now for the fun part! Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter. Make sure it gets fully coated. Shake off any extra batter. This keeps the wings from being too thick. Place the coated florets in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave space between them. This allows hot air to circulate and makes them crispy. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Before you start air frying, lightly spray the wings with olive oil. This helps them crisp up even more. Set the timer for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them brown evenly. Once they turn golden brown, take them out. Now, place them in a large bowl and pour your favorite BBQ sauce over them. Toss gently to coat every piece. For the final touch, return the wings to the air fryer for another 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the BBQ sauce caramelize and adds more flavor. After that, you can serve these crispy delights hot and enjoy their amazing taste! To get those tasty, crispy wings, use olive oil spray. This spray helps the batter crisp up nicely. Just a light mist will do. Another key point is shaking the basket while cooking. This step spreads the heat evenly and makes sure all sides get crispy. Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking. BBQ sauce can change the whole taste. I suggest trying a sweet BBQ for a rich flavor. If you like heat, go for a spicy version. You can also mix in some honey or hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for a twist. For an extra kick, add more garlic or onion powder to the batter. This lets you make the flavor your own. A common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pack in too many florets, they won’t cook evenly. It’s best to cook in batches. Another mistake is not getting the batter right. If it’s too thick, it won’t stick. If it’s too thin, it won’t coat well. Aim for a smooth consistency that clings to the cauliflower. {{image_4}} To make your BBQ cauliflower wings even more exciting, try different seasonings. You can swap out the spices for a zesty kick. Here are a few ideas: - Cajun Seasoning: Adds heat and a bold flavor. - Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy twist, use this instead of BBQ sauce. - Italian Herbs: Mix in oregano and basil for a fresh taste. You can also explore sauces beyond BBQ. Here are some fun options: - Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy for a unique flavor. - Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet glaze that adds an Asian flair. - Ranch Dressing: Drizzle after cooking for a creamy finish. If you need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This simple change keeps the wings crispy and delicious. For those following a vegan diet, ensure your BBQ sauce is plant-based. It’s easy to find great options in stores. For low-carb choices, use almond flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the wings crunchy while lowering carbs. You can also skip the batter and roast the florets with your favorite spices. This keeps it simple and still tasty. When it comes to pairing sides, think about crunchy veggies or fresh salads. Here are some perfect companions: - Carrot Sticks: They add crunch and a refreshing taste. - Celery Sticks: A classic choice that pairs well with wings. - Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, it balances the flavors. You can serve these cauliflower wings as a snack or appetizer. Try putting them in a taco with fresh veggies. They also go great on a platter with dips. This way, everyone can enjoy them at parties or game nights. To store cooked cauliflower wings, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, try not to stack the wings. This helps keep them crispy. For best results, reheat in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the crispiness. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked cauliflower wings. For uncooked wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked wings, let them cool and place them in an airtight bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer or oven as mentioned above. I recommend air frying cauliflower wings for 12-15 minutes. This timing gives you a nice, crispy texture. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. If you like them extra crispy, you can add a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on them. Yes, you can cook frozen cauliflower wings in the air fryer! Start by preheating the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 15-20 minutes. You may need to shake the basket a couple of times. This ensures they cook through. Frozen wings may take a little longer than fresh ones, so be patient. I love serving BBQ cauliflower wings with a variety of dips. Here are a few great options: - Ranch dressing for a creamy touch - Blue cheese dressing for bold flavor - A spicy aioli for some heat - Hummus for a healthy twist Try different sauces to find your favorite pairing! This blog post covered the essentials for making delicious cauliflower wings in the air fryer. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and finishing touches you need. I shared step-by-step instructions for prep and cooking, along with tips for achieving that perfect crisp. Don’t forget the variations you can try to customize flavors. Storing and reheating tips were also included to keep your wings fresh. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques for tasty, healthy snacks!

Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings

Indulge in delicious Air Fryer BBQ Cauliflower Wings that make for the perfect guilt-free snack or appetizer! This easy recipe combines the crunch of perfectly fried cauliflower with flavorful BBQ sauce, all done in your air fryer for a healthier twist. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty treat. Click through for the full recipe and brighten your menu today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)

1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for spray)

Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the perfect cooking temperature.

    Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will be your dry batter base.

      Make the Batter: Gradually pour the unsweetened plant-based milk into the dry mixture, whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms. Aim for a consistency that is thick enough to cling to the cauliflower florets, yet not so thick that it doesn’t stick.

        Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently shake off any excess batter to avoid clumps.

          Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for optimal air flow. This step may require cooking in multiple batches depending on your air fryer size.

            Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Lightly spray the cauliflower with olive oil spray for extra crispness. Air fry for approximately 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. The wings should be golden brown and have a crispy texture.

              Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Carefully remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour your chosen BBQ sauce over the hot florets, gently tossing to ensure they are evenly coated in the sauce.

                Return to Air Fryer for Glazing: Place the coated cauliflower wings back into the air fryer basket and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize slightly, enhancing the flavor.

                  Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer. Garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a vibrant touch, and serve hot for the best flavor experience.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4