Ingredients
To create these mouthwatering Spicy Cauliflower Wings, you’ll need a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather to transform humble cauliflower into a crispy, spicy sensation:
- Cauliflower: 1 large head, cut into florets. The star of the show! Choose a firm, white head of cauliflower for the best texture and flavor. Florets should be bite-sized, resembling mini chicken wings.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. Forms the base of the crispy coating, providing structure and helping the batter adhere to the cauliflower.
- Cornstarch: ½ cup. The secret to extra crispiness! Cornstarch helps create a light and airy batter that crisps up beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
- Spices: A flavorful blend is key! You’ll need:
- Paprika: 2 tablespoons. Adds a smoky and slightly sweet note, contributing to the vibrant color.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons. For that savory, garlicky punch that complements the spice.
- Onion Powder: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the savory depth and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to your spice preference). The heat is on! Cayenne brings the fiery kick that defines “spicy” wings. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon. Essential for seasoning the batter and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): 1 cup. Binds the dry ingredients together to create a smooth batter. Use your preferred milk – dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk work perfectly.
- Hot Sauce: ½ cup (plus extra for serving). The soul of the spicy flavor! Choose your favorite hot sauce – Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or your preferred brand. The type of hot sauce will influence the overall flavor profile.
- Butter (Dairy or Vegan): ¼ cup, melted. Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the cauliflower wings. Melted vegan butter or olive oil can be used as vegan alternatives.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons. A touch of sweetness balances the spice and adds a subtle glaze to the wings. Optional, but recommended for a more rounded flavor.
Instructions
Ready to transform these ingredients into delicious Spicy Cauliflower Wings? Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve crispy, flavorful perfection:
- Preheat Your Oven (or Prepare Your Air Fryer): Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (if baking).
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower head thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that resemble small chicken wings – not too big and not too small. Ensure the florets are relatively dry to help the batter adhere better. You can pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Dry Batter Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- Create the Wet Batter: Gradually pour the milk into the bowl with the dry batter mix, whisking constantly until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets but not too thick that it becomes clumpy. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter bowl. Toss gently to ensure each floret is evenly coated in the batter. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every nook and cranny of the cauliflower is covered.
- Bake or Air Fry the Wings:
- Baking: Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of baking and result in less crispy wings. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Air Frying: Place the battered cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Spicy Sauce: While the cauliflower wings are baking or air frying, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter (or vegan butter alternative) over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce and honey or maple syrup (if using). Heat through until the sauce is warmed and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil.
- Coat the Wings in Spicy Sauce: Once the cauliflower wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer and immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared spicy sauce over the wings. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each wing is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Optional Second Bake/Air Fry (For Extra Crispiness): For even crispier wings, you can return them to the oven or air fryer for a few minutes after coating them in the sauce.
- Baking: Return the sauced wings to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-7 minutes.
- Air Frying: Return the sauced wings to the air fryer basket and air fry for another 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Spicy Cauliflower Wings immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or air fryer. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the explosion of flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200