Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Enjoy this spicy, crispy, and healthier twist on buffalo wings with this quick and easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or sides.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower - cut into bite-sized florets Try and choose a fresh head with tight florets for the best texture!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour This acts as the base for your batter, helping achieve that crispy finish.
- 1/2 cup water Adjust the water slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner batter!
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Enhances flavor—the more, the merrier if you love garlic!
- 1/2 tsp onion powder This adds depth; you can also use fresh onion or shallots for extra zing!
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Adds a touch of smokiness that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp salt Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your batter.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper A pinch of black pepper balances the dish perfectly.
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) Think about flavor here—medium, hot, or mild? Choose what suits your taste!
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter - melted The butter adds a lovely richness to the buffalo sauce.
- as needed Cooking spray A light spray ensures your cauliflower fries up nice and crispy.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces; this way, they cook evenly.
Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Aim for a consistency that’s thick enough to coat the florets but still pourable.
Coat the Cauliflower
- Toss the cauliflower florets into the bowl with the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Give them a gentle shake to remove excess batter.
Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the battered cauliflower in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- 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 and pour the buffalo sauce mix over the florets.
- Toss until they’re all coated.
Serve
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and crunchy celery sticks on the side.
Notes
For best results, work in batches for even cooking. Adjust buffalo sauce as per your heat preference. Leftovers can be transformed into wraps or salads.