Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and healthy snack or appetizer. This recipe offers the satisfying crunch of traditional buffalo wings without the guilt. Cauliflower is light, packed with nutrients, and when air-fried, it becomes crispy and delicious. Tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, it’s perfect for game day, party snacks, or simply enjoying at home. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be on your table in no time!
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 snack. It pairs wonderfully with dips like ranch dressing or blue cheese. You can also serve it alongside fresh veggies or some crunchy tortilla chips for a fun feast. It makes for a great party dish or a healthy addition to a game day spread.
How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
If you have leftovers, you can store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this can make the cauliflower soggy.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Cut Uniformly: Make sure to cut the cauliflower into roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer can prevent proper cooking and crispiness.
- Customize Your Sauce: You can adjust the level of heat by using more or less buffalo sauce. Feel free to try different sauces for a unique flavor!
Variation
You can also add breadcrumbs to the batter for an extra crispy coating. Some people like to mix in a bit of Parmesan cheese into the batter or sauce for added flavor. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite combination!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before coating and air frying.Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the batter.Can I make the buffalo sauce from scratch?
Yes! You can easily make buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter and a splash of vinegar for extra zing.
