Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

If you are craving a snack that is both crispy and bursting with bold flavor, look no further than this Easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. This dish combines the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and tender cauliflower, all cooked to perfection using an air fryer for that satisfying crunch without the heavy oil. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a wholesome snack, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower offers a healthier twist on traditional buffalo wings, making it a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Crunch: Air frying gives cauliflower a crispy texture without deep frying, cutting down on oil and calories.
• Bold Buffalo Flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce packs a punch that satisfies your craving for heat and zest.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies that you likely already have on hand.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings.
• Versatile Snack: Great for parties, game day, or a delicious anytime treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, providing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color for the best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower experience. Each component shines through, from the tender cauliflower to the spicy buffalo coating.

• Fresh Cauliflower: The base of the recipe, providing a hearty and nutritious vegetable foundation.
• Buffalo Sauce: Brings that classic spicy, tangy flavor that is the star of the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the buffalo sauce stick to the cauliflower and gives a light crisp coating.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor enhancing the overall taste.
• Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky note and complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Water or Milk: Used to make the batter, keeping it light and easy to coat the florets evenly.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures maximum crispiness when air frying by lightly coating the florets.

Variations for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Feel free to customize this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s incredibly easy to swap out ingredients or adjust spice levels to create your perfect snack.

• Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based buffalo sauce and a flax egg or chickpea flour batter instead of all-purpose flour.
• Milder Version: Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or blend it with a bit of melted butter to tone down the heat.
• Extra Crispy: Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs to the batter for an even crunchier texture.
• Different Spices: Experiment with cayenne, chili powder, or smoked paprika for unique flavor twists.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a cooling yogurt dip to balance the spiciness.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by cutting the fresh cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Rinse and pat dry to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add water or milk and continue whisking until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that will coat the cauliflower well.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets onto a plate or tray.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket or tray lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the coated cauliflower evenly in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through for even browning.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently until each piece is well coated in that spicy goodness.

Step 6: Final Air Fry for Sauce Setting

Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes to help the sauce set and further crisp up the exterior.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

• Even Floret Sizes: Cut cauliflower into similar sizes for uniform cooking and crispiness.
• Don’t Rush the Batter: Let the batter rest for a few minutes for better adhesion onto the cauliflower.
• Shake the Basket: Halfway through air frying, shake or flip the cauliflower to ensure even crisping.
• Use Quality Buffalo Sauce: Fresh, flavorful sauce makes a big difference in taste and heat level.
• Light Cooking Spray: A fine mist of spray enhances browning without making the florets soggy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top after cooking to add a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. For extra cool contrast, add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing as garnish.

Side Dishes

Pair with crunchy celery sticks and carrot fingers to complement the spicy buffalo flavor while adding a refreshing texture. This dish also pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw or a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower on a platter with small dipping bowls of different sauces or inside soft slider buns for a fun buffalo “cauliflower sandwich.” You can even use toothpicks to make easy party bite-sized snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the florets and buffalo sauce mixed to retain flavor and moisture.

Freezing

Freeze cooked cauliflower by spreading it on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping and preserves crispness for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out like a microwave would.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is best for the crunch, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and thoroughly pat dry to avoid sogginess.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! Use a dairy-free buffalo sauce and substitute milk with plant-based milk to keep it 100% vegan.

How spicy is Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can adjust by selecting mild sauces or diluting with butter or oil to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces go well with this dish?

Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic choices, but a cooling cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy chipotle mayo work wonderfully too.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a snack that combines crave-worthy crunch, spicy buffalo goodness, and a health-conscious twist, the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a winner every time. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve up at your next gathering. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family!

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