Frank's Air Fryer Cauliflower Wings (Vegetarian)

You can use your preferred hot sauce for these crispy veggie "wings", but we like the tangy, manageable heat of Frank's Red Hot for a classic Buffalo experience.

1. Head of cauliflower, cut into drumstick-like pieces
2. 1 cup buttermilk
3. 1 teaspoon cornstarch
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1 teaspoon each: garlic salt, smoked paprika, and onion powder
7. dash or to taste of cayenne pepper
8. 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
9. 1/2 cup Frank’s Hot or other Buffalo-style hot sauce
10. 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
11. 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Notes:

1. To make vegan, use non-dairy milk & butter
2. You can sub the milk/cornstarch for 2 whisked eggs and 1/4 cup of water. Do not heat.
3. These can be baked in the oven, but it will take longer and they won't be as crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment and roast the cauliflower at 400 ̊F for at least 30 minutes or until desired crispiness is reached.

Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-size florets. Pat dry. Cut the green stems back on the cauliflower head and then break or cut the head into about 1-inch florets. It’s easiest to start near the base of the cauliflower and work your way toward the center.

Gently warm the milk and cornstarch over low heat in a medium saucepan until cornstarch has dissolved. Increase temperature to medium heat and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened—stirring regularly. Set mixture aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together whisk the flour, garlic salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Set up your dipping station: bowl of cauliflower, milk/cornstarch mixture, flour/spices blend, Air Fryer basket.

Start by rolling the cauliflower pieces in flour, then dip into the milk/cornstarch, then back into the flour. Tap off excess flour and lay dipped cauliflower in a single layer in the bottom of your Air Fryer basket. Repeat until all your cauliflower is dressed and for crisping. You may have to work in batches, depending on the size of your Air Fryer.

Then, place the tray into the Air Fryer and set the timer for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F. Half way through, flip the cauliflower and continue cooking until desired crispiness is reached.

While the cauliflower cooks, heat the butter, buffalo hot sauce and vinegar over medium heat. When the cauliflower is finished, drizzle the sauce over the "wings" and gently toss. Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing for the traditional Buffalo wings experience!