Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Why Make This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
If you’re craving a spicy appetizer or snack without the guilt, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is the perfect fit. It captures the bold flavors of traditional buffalo wings without the meat, making it a great option for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. The crispy texture and tangy heat from the buffalo sauce create an irresistible small plate that pairs beautifully with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. Plus, making it in the air fryer cuts down on the unnecessary oil while still achieving that delicious crunch we all love!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
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:
Step 1: Preparation
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. This will help them cook consistently and ensure that every piece gets that delightful crunch.
Step 2: Mixing
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; adjust with a little water or flour if needed to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: Cooking
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the battered cauliflower florets to the basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches for the best results. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Finishing
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl for added richness. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately while it’s hot and crispy. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some fresh celery sticks to add a crunchy contrast and cool down the heat. This dish is perfect for game day, parties, or as a flavorful side dish at dinner.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
If you have leftovers, allow the cauliflower to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cauliflower soggy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Choose the Right Cauliflower: Look for a firm, fresh head of cauliflower that feels heavy for its size with no brown spots.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to spice up your batter with more seasonings or even add some cayenne for extra heat.
- Cooking in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cooking in batches ensures that each floret is properly cooked and crispy.
- Butter Options: For a vegan version, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Mixing Sauces: You can experiment with different sauces, like BBQ or honey mustard, if you want to switch things up.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower: After tossing in buffalo sauce, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and pop it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until melted.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet twist on this spicy treat.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap the buffalo sauce for sriracha and incorporate sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for an Asian flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower completely to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. What can I serve with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
This dish pairs great with salads, veggie platters, or as an appetizer at parties.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour like almond flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
4. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary based on the buffalo sauce you choose. Taste the sauce first, and adjust it with butter or honey if you’d like it less spicy.
5. How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
The cauliflower should appear golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also pierce a floret with a fork to check for tenderness.
Conclusion
Satisfy your cravings with this quick and easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. The crispy bite-sized florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce are sure to impress family and friends alike. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides a wholesome alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it disappears at your next gathering! Enjoy cooking and have fun with this versatile dish!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A guilt-free appetizer that captures the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a crispy cauliflower bite.
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
Instructions
- Preparation: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Mixing: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray, add battered cauliflower in batches, and air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Finishing: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
Notes
Serve immediately with dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, and fresh celery sticks. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
