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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 41 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously crispy and spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect appetizer or snack for anyone craving a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. This recipe features cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter, air fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce for a satisfying treat that’s both easy to make and full of zest.


Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower and Batter

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for a richer sauce)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the cauliflower and batter to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, forming a light batter.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter to prevent sogginess and to ensure crispiness after air frying.
  4. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
  5. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Cook the florets for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispness. The cauliflower should turn golden and crispy.
  6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a bowl to create a rich, spicy coating.
  7. Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: After air frying, toss the hot cauliflower florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until they are evenly coated for a flavorful bite.
  8. Set the Sauce: Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps the sauce adhere well and intensifies the flavors.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces and crunchy celery sticks for a classic buffalo experience.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to taste if you prefer milder or spicier heat levels.
  • If you prefer vegan, replace melted butter with a plant-based butter or omit it completely.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement the spicy flavor.