Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, a dish that delivers crispy, crave-worthy bites packed with bold flavor and irresistible spice. Whether you’re searching for a healthier party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a weeknight treat bursting with color and crunch, this recipe is your new go-to. My take on Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is all about simple ingredients coming together for maximum impact, and it’s a recipe I genuinely can’t get enough of!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how a few pantry staples and fridge favorites can create something truly memorable. Every ingredient plays its own starring role, from heat and tang to golden crunch. Here’s why each item matters:
- Cauliflower: Fresh florets are the heart of the dish and deliver perfect texture.
- All-purpose flour: Forms a light, crispy coating that soaks up all the flavor.
- Water: Combines with flour for a silky batter that doesn’t weigh the cauliflower down.
- Garlic powder: Adds deeply savory notes that complement the spicy sauce.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and layers of flavor.
- Paprika: Gives smoky warmth and a touch of vibrant color.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together for a balanced bite.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity in the background.
- Buffalo sauce: The signature kick and tangy zip that makes this recipe shine.
- Melted butter: Rounds out the heat in the sauce and makes each bite luxuriously rich.
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onion (optional): For a fresh, colorful finish that perks up every plate.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Step 1: Whisk Up the Batter
Start with a large bowl and whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The batter should be smooth—think pancake batter consistency—so it hugs every nook and cranny of your cauliflower florets. This flavorful coating creates the base for the crispy, irresistible texture we’re after.
Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to your batter, gently tossing to coat every piece. Take your time here! You want an even layer of batter on each floret so that your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gets its signature crunch and bold base flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure even cooking. Give the basket a light spray with cooking spray so nothing sticks and all those battered florets crisp up beautifully. It’s these little moves that make a big difference in the final results!
Step 4: Air Fry to Crisp Perfection
Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Don’t crowd them—if needed, work in batches so each piece gets nice and crispy. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, pausing to shake the basket halfway through for even browning. Watch as they turn golden and your kitchen smells like spicy heaven!
Step 5: Toss with Buffalo Sauce
While your cauliflower cooks, stir together buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. Once the cauliflower is perfectly crisp, transfer it to a clean bowl and pour the sauce mixture over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in that addictive, fiery glaze. Serve up immediately for the crispiest, most flavorful experience!
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Garnishes
The magic is in those finishing touches! Sprinkle your hot cauliflower bites with fresh chopped parsley or green onion for a pop of color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the heat. It makes the presentation extra inviting and adds a subtle flavor contrast, too.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a fresh green salad. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing is absolutely classic for dipping, taming the heat and adding a creamy counterpoint. These sides round out the plate and make it party-ready or perfect for a satisfying snack.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many ways to make this dish shine! Pile your crispy cauliflower on a big platter for sharing, tuck it in wraps with shredded lettuce and tomato, or create buffalo cauliflower “tacos” inside soft tortillas. For an appetizer spread, serve them in individual cups with a side of dip for everyone. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (rare, but it happens!), store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay yummy for up to three days. The flavors deepen, but you’ll want to revive the crispness before serving again.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze battered and cooked cauliflower, keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit. To freeze, let your cauliflower cool completely, arrange it on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just let thaw and crisp up again before serving.
Reheating
For best results, skip the microwave and reheat Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes or in a hot oven. This brings back the irresistible crunch while keeping that signature saucy kick front and center. Add a little extra buffalo sauce if you want to turn up the heat!
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The batter still packs on the crunch, and your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower will be just as delicious.
How spicy is Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
It’s just the right amount of spicy for most palates, but you can dial the heat up or down by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce. Add a touch of cayenne to both the batter and the sauce if you like things extra fiery!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get plenty of crisp edges and saucy flavor.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
You can whisk up the batter and cut your cauliflower a few hours ahead of time; just keep them separate and refrigerated, and combine when you’re ready to cook. This makes last-minute assembly a breeze!
What’s the best way to keep them crispy for a party?
Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower right away for the ultimate crunch, but if you’re holding them for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) on a wire rack. This helps maintain their texture until everyone is ready to dig in.
Final Thoughts
I’m always thrilled to serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower to friends and family, and I can’t wait for you to try it. With bold flavors, an irresistible texture, and plenty of ways to make it your own, it’s a dish that always impresses. Give it a whirl in your own kitchen—you’re about to discover a new favorite!
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the crispy goodness of cauliflower in this delicious vegan appetizer made easy in the air fryer. Perfect for game days or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
Batter:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onion (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Batter the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss air-fried cauliflower in the sauce until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne to the batter or sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
