Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers crispy, spicy bites that are perfect as a snack or appetizer. With a light batter and tangy buffalo sauce, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

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

1. Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the batter is smooth and pourable but thick enough to coat the cauliflower.
3. Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, coating each piece well. Shake off any excess batter before air frying.
4. Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Place the cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
6. Step 6: Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over it, and toss to coat evenly.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, try double-coating the cauliflower by dipping them back into the batter after the first air fry, then air fry again for a few minutes.
• Use homemade buffalo sauce for a fresher taste and to control the spice level.
• Try substituting the buffalo sauce with BBQ or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the florets back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the buffalo cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

The batter and cauliflower are vegan, but the buffalo sauce mix uses melted butter. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or use the sauce as is if it’s already vegan.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, air fried to a crispy golden brown, and tossed in a tasty buffalo sauce with melted butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, it is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors that buffalo wing lovers will adore.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cauliflower and Batter

• 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

Buffalo Sauce

• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted

Additional

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are fairly uniform in size to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower well but still pourable.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing gently so each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets into the air fryer basket to avoid clumping.
4. 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 to prevent sticking. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer without overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping, until the pieces are golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl, stirring until well blended to create a rich, tangy sauce.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce mixture over it, and toss to ensure every floret is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately for the best texture and taste. Pair with classic dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese and some crunchy celery sticks on the side for a complete snack or appetizer experience.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the cauliflower by dipping it in the batter twice before air frying.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the batter or increase the buffalo sauce amount.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate properly and achieve even crisping.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Pair with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spicy buffalo flavors.

Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower, air fryer buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian buffalo wings, spicy cauliflower appetizer, healthy buffalo bites