Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer that packs a spicy punch. It brings the classic flavors you love from buffalo wings but uses cauliflower instead, making it a great option for those looking for a vegetarian or lower-calorie choice. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy texture without all the oil, making it a guilt-free treat.
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, ensuring they are uniform in 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 enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess 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. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, 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, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
You can enjoy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as a stand-alone snack or as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering. It pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. You can also serve it alongside crisp celery or carrot sticks to balance out the spice.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some crispiness before serving again.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- For extra crunch, consider double coating the cauliflower by repeating the battering process.
- Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Ensure that the florets are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Variation
For a milder version, you can use a less spicy buffalo sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with some honey or barbecue sauce to tone down the heat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, use a spicier buffalo sauce or mix some hot sauce into the buffalo sauce before tossing.
3. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
It’s best to use fresh cauliflower for the best texture, but if frozen is all you have, make sure to thaw and dry it well before coating it in batter.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head 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
- to taste cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- 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 enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
Serving
- Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.