Crispy Air-Fried Spicy SunButter Cauliflower Wings: Your Ultimate Vegan & Gluten-Free Appetizer

Discover how to make the most addictive, battered, and air-fried cauliflower wings coated in a luscious, spicy SunButter sauce. Perfect for a game day snack, healthy appetizer, or a satisfying plant-based meal!

Remember that exciting atmosphere of a big game day? For many, it’s not just about the sports; it’s about coming together, the electrifying energy, and, of course, the incredible food! While my partner M and I might not be the most avid sports enthusiasts (football, in particular, remains a fascinating enigma despite numerous explanations!), we absolutely cherish the culinary traditions that come with these events. Recently, a Super Bowl gathering at home became the perfect excuse to dive into some serious snack development, complete with refreshing drinks, delicious vegan burgers, and a whole lot of “What just happened?!” moments.

During that memorable Super Bowl weekend, I unearthed my air fryer, eager to experiment with new savory creations. And now, I’m thrilled to share with you the very first air-fryer recipe to grace Flora & Vino: these absolutely irresistible **Spicy SunButter Cauliflower Wings**! It only made sense to kick off our air fryer adventures with cauliflower, the chameleon of vegetables. Its incredible versatility allows it to transform into almost anything, and today, we’re giving it the ability to “fly” straight into your appetizer rotation. These wings are perfectly battered, air-fried to golden perfection, and then generously tossed in a creamy, zesty, and spicy SunButter sauce. They’re guaranteed to be a delicious hit, whether served as a hearty appetizer, a delightful small bite, or even a main course.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan Cauliflower Wings: Essential Ingredients & Tips

Let’s be honest: you don’t need to be a sports fanatic to appreciate a good wing, and you certainly don’t need to eat meat to enjoy a fantastic “wing” experience! These plant-based cauliflower wings deliver all the crispy, tender goodness you crave, without any animal products. The secret to achieving truly exceptional, maximally crispy cauliflower wings lies in a well-balanced, grain-free batter that adheres beautifully and crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.

Here’s a breakdown of the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious vegan cauliflower wings:

• Almond Flour: This is our base for a fantastic grain-free batter. Almond flour contributes to a light, crispy coating with a subtle nutty flavor, making these wings naturally gluten-free.
• Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient for crispiness! Cornstarch helps create that desirable crunchy exterior by absorbing moisture and forming a crisp shell during air frying. It also acts as a binder, ensuring the batter sticks to the cauliflower.
• Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices add depth of flavor and a touch of warmth. Garlic powder provides an aromatic foundation, while paprika contributes a lovely color and mild, sweet pepper notes that complement the cauliflower beautifully.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning the batter, bringing out all the flavors and ensuring every bite is savory.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Our liquid component for the batter, providing the perfect consistency without adding any dairy. Ensure it’s unsweetened to control the overall flavor profile of the savory wings.
• Cauliflower: The star of the show! Choose a fresh, firm head of cauliflower, about 2 pounds, and break it into uniform, bite-sized florets. Consistency in size is key for even cooking.

That’s all it takes to build the foundation for your next favorite plant-based snack!

Mastering the Air Fryer: How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Cauliflower Wings

Making these cauliflower wings is surprisingly straightforward, especially with an air fryer. Follow these steps for golden, crispy results every time:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures the cauliflower starts cooking immediately, leading to a crispier exterior.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: almond flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and Himalayan sea salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. Then, gradually add the unsweetened almond milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add your prepared cauliflower florets to the batter. Using a spatula or your hands, gently toss and stir the florets multiple times, making sure each piece is completely and evenly coated. Take your time with this step to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.
4. Load the Air Fryer (The Crispy Secret!): This is perhaps the most crucial step for achieving that signature crispiness. When the air fryer is preheated, use tongs or two forks to lift the battered cauliflower florets out of the bowl. Pause for a moment to allow any excess batter to drip off. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s vital to leave a little space around each floret. Do NOT stack or crowd the cauliflower, as this will prevent them from getting crispy; instead, they will steam.
5. Batch Cooking for Best Results: Depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of cauliflower, you will likely need to cook the wings in 2-3 smaller batches. Patience here will pay off with superior texture.
6. Air Fry to Perfection: Close the air fryer drawer and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, open the drawer, gently shake the basket to flip and redistribute the cauliflower, then cook for another 5 minutes. After 10 minutes total, check for tenderness and browning. If they’re not quite tender on the inside or sufficiently crispy on the outside, return them to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes. The total cooking time can range from 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your florets and the specific air fryer model. You’re looking for beautifully browned, crunchy exteriors and tender, fork-soft interiors.

The cauliflower wings are perfectly done when they are tender on the inside and lightly browned and wonderfully crispy on the outside. This dual texture is what makes them so satisfying!

The Flavor Bomb: What You Need to Make Spicy SunButter Sauce

While your cauliflower wings are air-frying to perfection, it’s the ideal time to whip up the star of the show: the incredibly flavorful Spicy SunButter Sauce. This sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a creamy, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet explosion that elevates the humble cauliflower to gourmet status. It’s also a fantastic nut-free alternative for those with allergies, offering a rich, savory depth that’s truly unique.

Here’s what you’ll need for this delectable Spicy SunButter Sauce:

• Organic SunButter: This is the heart of our sauce. Organic SunButter (made from sunflower seeds) provides a wonderfully creamy texture and a distinct, rich, slightly earthy flavor that’s a fantastic alternative to peanut butter. It’s also naturally nut-free, making this recipe accessible to more people.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the SunButter and brings a refreshing citrus note to the sauce.
• Tamari Lite: For that savory, umami depth. Tamari Lite is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a less salty profile while still delivering robust flavor. You can use regular tamari or soy sauce if not strictly gluten-free or if you prefer a saltier kick.
• Sriracha: The key to the “spicy” in our Spicy SunButter Sauce! Adjust the amount to your heat preference – a little gives a pleasant warmth, while more creates a fiery experience.
• Pure Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup balances the spice and tang, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce’s complex flavor profile.
• Filtered Water: Used to thin the sauce to the perfect pourable consistency. Having extra on hand allows you to adjust the thickness as needed.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from creating a sauce that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Whipping Up the Spicy SunButter Sauce

Creating this flavorful sauce is incredibly easy. Simply add all the ingredients—Organic SunButter, fresh lime juice, Tamari Lite, sriracha, pure maple syrup, and filtered water—to a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth and well combined. I specifically chose Organic SunButter for this recipe because its inherent creaminess and nutty flavor are unmatched, contributing to an exceptionally smooth and rich sauce texture.

The goal is a sauce that is thick enough to generously coat the cauliflower wings but still pourable. If you find your sauce is too thick, simply add more hot water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. It’s always easier to thin a sauce than to thicken it, so start with less water and add more as needed. This recipe makes a bit extra sauce, which is perfect for dipping on the side – a preference M often has, so feel free to adjust the amount you toss with the wings based on your personal preference!

Once your crispy cauliflower wings are ready, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour a generous amount of the spicy SunButter sauce over the air-fried florets. I recommend using enough sauce to ensure every wing is beautifully coated but not excessively dripping. Then, using a spatula, lightly and carefully mix the wings, ensuring they are completely covered in the vibrant sauce without losing their precious breading. Gentle stirring is key to maintaining that perfect crispy texture!

Serving and Storing Your Spicy SunButter Cauliflower Wings

These Spicy SunButter Cauliflower Wings are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a vibrant presentation and an extra layer of flavor, serve your finished wings generously topped with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. And of course, don’t forget to have extra Spicy SunButter sauce on the side for dipping – because who doesn’t love extra sauce?

M and I absolutely adore this dish as a happy hour snack, perfectly paired with a crisp wine or a cold beer. It also makes an outstanding appetizer to kick off any meal. In fact, every time we’ve made these, an entire head of cauliflower disappears in a single sitting! They’d also be fantastic as a side dish for entertaining guests, a delicious small bite for game day gatherings, or a satisfying solo snack when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

While these cauliflower wings are undeniably best served fresh and hot, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but for best results (to regain some crispiness), I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) or in an oven until warmed through and slightly crisp again.

If you happen to have extra Spicy SunButter sauce (and trust me, you’ll want to!), consider yourself lucky! This versatile sauce is wonderful as a dip for fresh veggies, crackers, or chips. It also makes an incredible dressing drizzled over salads, grain bowls, or even as a spread in sandwiches and wraps. Its unique flavor profile is truly addictive!

Enjoy these delightful, plant-powered wings!

More Delicious Cauliflower Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as big a fan of cauliflower’s incredible versatility as we are, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes:

• Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Rosemary Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Roasted Cauliflower Cashew Queso

• Harissa Roasted Cauliflower

We Want to Hear From You!

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by SunButter but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!