Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a tasty twist on a classic appetizer. It’s not only crispy and packed with flavor but also a healthier option compared to traditional buffalo wings. The air fryer gives the cauliflower that perfect crunch without all the oil, making it ideal for game days or a fun snack. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can easily fit into a variety of diets. This dish is not just for those who don’t eat meat; it’s for anyone who loves bold flavors!
In This Post
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
- Cooking spray
Directions
Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are all about the same size for even cooking.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick yet pourable, perfect for coating the cauliflower.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any extra batter before placing them in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. You might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over and toss to coat each floret evenly.
Serve: Enjoy the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Make sure the cauliflower florets are all uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it helps achieve that nice crispiness.
- For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on the cauliflower before air frying.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is perfect for parties, game nights, or as a satisfying snack. Serve it with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic combo. You can also pair it with celery sticks or carrot sticks for a fresh crunch.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that lovely crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
Variation
You can spice things up by adding different seasonings to the batter or tossing the cauliflower in various sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce after air frying. Feel free to experiment!
FAQs About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before coating them in batter.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
3. How spicy is buffalo cauliflower?
The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can opt for a mild sauce or adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the cauliflower and batter in advance. Just coat them and air fry when you’re ready to serve!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
A healthier, vegan-friendly twist on classic buffalo wings, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower is crispy, flavorful, and perfect for game days or as a fun snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are all about the same size for even cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick yet pourable, perfect for coating the cauliflower.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any extra batter before placing them in the air fryer.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.
Notes
Ensure florets are uniform in size for even cooking. Preheating helps achieve crispiness. Can add panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
