Spicy Vegan Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings Recipe - Vegan with Gusto (2024)

Step 1: Mix the chickpea flour, salt, and water in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter.

Step 3: Air fry for 12 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Step 4: Toss the cauliflower with the spicy sauce.

Step 5: Air fry for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Mix up the peanut sauce.

Why are my cauliflower wings soggy?

Cauliflower wings get soggy for a variety of reasons. First, the cauliflower should be dry. Frozen or pre-cooked cauliflower is more likely to get soggy than fresh. Next, start with a preheated air fryer or oven. Don't let them linger in the hot sauce after the initial cooking process. Immediately get them back into the heat for the final roast. This keeps the batter from getting soggy. If soggy happens, they'll still be tasty but not as crispy as you might like.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter for the dipping sauce/dressing?

If you don't use (or have) peanut butter, substitute another type of nut butter, such as cashew or almond butter. For a nut-free solution, consider tahini or sunflower seed butter.

Can you add breading to make cauliflower wings crispier?

Rolling battered vegan cauliflower wings in breadcrumbs, panko, sesame seeds, or a dry coatingis one way to make air fryer wings crispier. Add the breading right before air frying or baking.

What can you add to the cauliflower wing batter to make it more flavorful?

After adding spicy hot sauce, only a little salt is needed. If you want to serve battered cauliflower and use the spicy sauce for dipping, consider adding ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder and/or onion powder, nutritional yeast, ground black pepper, or Italian seasoning.

How long do cauliflower wings last?

Store leftover cauliflower wings in anairtight containerin the refrigerator for 2 -3 days. The dipping sauce keeps for about a week. Store it in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. Thin it out with water or spruce it up with lime juice for a flavor twist.

How do I reheat cauliflower wings?

To reheat the wings, place them in the oven or air fryer and reheat for 5-10 minutes until they are hot. Flip them a few times to ensure they don't get too brown.

Cauliflower Wings

• ▢ 1 medium cauliflower head - 24 bite-sized florets
• ▢ ½ cup chickpea flour
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ cup warm water
• ▢ ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ▢ ¼ - ½ cup sriracha - or other chili sauce
• ▢ ½ teaspoon soy sauce - use Tamari for gluten-free

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• ▢ 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• ▢ 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ginger - minced
• ▢ 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• ▢ water as needed

• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, trimming larger florets in half if needed—about 24 pieces.

• Combine chickpea flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add water and vigorously whisk the mixture until it is smooth and lump-free.

• Preheat the air fryer to 375 F (190 C). Oven to 375 F (190 C).

• Add the cauliflower to the batter and stir to coat the pieces.

• Shake excess batter from each cauliflower piece and place it in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper if it tends to stick. You may need to do this in 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

• Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking after 8 minutes. Fry until brown and crispy.

• Combine the rice vinegar, sriracha, and soy sauce in a large bowl. When the cauliflower is done, add it to the sauce, then return it to the air fryer. Air fry for 1-2 minutes. If you are cooking batches, add all the cauliflower to the sauce at one time.

How to make peanut dipping sauce

• While the wings are cooking, make the peanut dipping sauce. Whisk the ingredients, adding more water depending on the desired consistency.

Baking Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C). After coating the cauliflower in batter, shake each piece and add it to the baking sheet.

• Bake for 25 minutes, flipping the florets after 15 minutes.

• Remove the cauliflower pieces from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl with the spicy sauce. Toss to mix.

• Return the cauliflower to the baking tray and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Nutritional information includes peanut dipping sauce.
• Air fryer and oven times can vary. Check the wings frequently the first time you make them.
• Don’t force the cauliflower to flip. If it won’t release from the bottom of the air fryer when gently using a spatula, give it another minute and try flipping it again.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (the dressing will last about a week). Reheat the wings in the air fryer or oven.