Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fantastic dish that brings you the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce without the extra grease. This recipe is perfect for a game day snack, a side dish for dinner, or a healthy appetizer at a party. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy more vegetables in your diet. Plus, using an air fryer allows you to get that crispy texture with less oil!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

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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, ensuring they are uniform in 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 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, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
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 air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, 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, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately 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

You can serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as a tasty appetizer or a part of your main meal. Pair it with cooling sauces like ranch or blue cheese, and don’t forget to add some crunchy celery sticks on the side. This dish is also great for parties or gatherings because it’s easy to make and everyone loves it!

How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Ensure the cauliflower florets are dry after washing to help the batter stick better.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by using milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
For added flavor, consider marinating the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce before cooking.

Variation

You can add different spices or even mix in some parmesan cheese into the batter for a cheesy taste. Additionally, you could try using other sauces instead of buffalo sauce, like barbecue or teriyaki, for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and dry them before coating.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare the batter and cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and coat the cauliflower ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.