Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 3/4 cup water; 1 head cauliflower, broken into large florets; Buffalo Sauce, for brushing; Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional)

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of a classic spicy snack. It’s crispy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients from the cauliflower. This dish is perfect for game days, parties, or as a satisfying appetizer. Plus, using an air fryer means less oil and fewer calories compared to deep-frying. You can enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo sauce without the guilt!

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how to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Ingredients:

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup water
1 head cauliflower, broken into large florets
Buffalo Sauce, for brushing
Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
Add the water and whisk until smooth.
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir until they are well coated.
Lift the cauliflower florets out of the batter, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl.
Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
Air fry for 9 minutes.
Carefully flip the florets and brush them with some buffalo sauce.
Air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is dark and crisp around the edges.
Remove the florets and brush with additional buffalo sauce.
Serve with vegan ranch for dipping if desired.

how to serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

You can serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs well with a cooling vegan ranch dip. Place the crispy florets on a platter and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for added flavor. This dish is also great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying while watching your favorite game.

how to store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

If you have leftovers, store the cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

tips to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Make sure to coat the cauliflower well in the batter for better flavor and crispiness.
Experiment with different spices in the batter to customize the flavor.
For extra crunch, you can double dip the florets—coat them in the batter, then in breadcrumbs before air frying.
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance.

variation

You can try different sauces other than buffalo, such as barbecue or teriyaki, for a different flavor. Adding nutritional yeast to the batter can give it a cheesy taste. You can also toss the cooked cauliflower in a different sauce after air frying for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before coating and air frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
The heat level of buffalo sauce can vary by brand. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a milder buffalo sauce or use less sauce in the recipe.