Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or as a tasty snack. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy texture without needing a lot of oil, making it a guilt-free option for anyone who loves spicy flavors. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in just a short time!
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. Make 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. Mix 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. Ensure each piece is fully coated, then shake off any excess batter.
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 basket. Don’t overcrowd them; you may need to cook 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 the cauliflower and toss until each floret is well coated.
Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower right away 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
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it as an appetizer or snack at parties and gatherings. It pairs well with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese and is perfect alongside some crunchy celery sticks.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them. Place the cooled cauliflower in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- For extra crispiness, try adding a little breadcrumbs to the batter.
- Adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce based on your taste preference. You can mix it with some honey or BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the batter for a unique twist.
Variation
You can make a vegan version by using a plant-based flour and replacing the butter with a vegan alternative. This keeps the dish just as tasty while adhering to plant-based diets.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture.
How spicy is Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can start with a mild sauce and increase the heat to your liking.
Can I make this recipe in a traditional oven?
Yes, you can bake the coated cauliflower in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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
- Cooking spray For air frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all about the same size for even cooking.
Batter Preparation
- 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.
Coating
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter.
Air Frying
- 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 basket, without overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Buffalo Sauce Preparation
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
Serving
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it.
- Toss until each floret is well coated.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower right away with your favorite dipping sauce and some celery sticks on the side.