If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, look no further than Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. This dish takes the popular buffalo wing flavor and gives it a veggie twist, making it perfect for game day, parties, or just a tasty treat at home. The air fryer allows you to achieve crispy cauliflower without the need for deep frying, keeping it lighter but still full of flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. First, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite in a healthier way. Cauliflower is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a great choice for those looking to eat lighter. Plus, the recipe is simple and quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s also a hit with both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, ensuring that everyone at your table will enjoy it!
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, ensuring 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
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or even as a side dish. Pair it with dips like ranch or blue cheese to enhance the flavor. For an extra touch, serve with fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks for crunch.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, consider using the air fryer again to crisp it up, or simply microwave it for a quick snack.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Even Coating: Make sure each floret is well-coated in the batter to achieve a perfect crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the cauliflower in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference. You can also add more butter for a richer flavor.
Variation
You can try different seasonings in the batter, such as cayenne pepper for extra heat, or switch up the sauce with your favorite flavor. If you’re a fan of cheese, consider adding shredded cheese on top after the cauliflower is done air frying and let it melt for an extra indulgent dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce used. If you prefer milder flavors, you can choose a mild buffalo sauce or adjust the amount used.
3. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen cauliflower florets; just make sure to thaw and dry them completely before coating them in the batter to ensure they crisp up nicely.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower that’s both tasty and healthier. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head 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
- to taste Cooking spray For air fryer basket
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
Cooking
- 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, ensuring 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.
Finishing Touch
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
- 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 the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.