Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower dish served on a plate with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Buffalo cauliflower has become a popular dish. It is a great choice for many people looking for something tasty and healthy. This dish is spicy, crispy, and full of flavor. Making buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer makes it even better. The air fryer gives it a crispy texture without deep frying. This recipe will show you how to make it easily.

The buffalo sauce adds a kick to the cauliflower, making it fun to eat. This recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or any time you want a snack. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this recipe. First, it is very easy to make. You only need a few ingredients, and the steps are simple. You can whip it up in no time.

Second, it fits many diets. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier snack, this recipe can work for you. You can swap ingredients as needed, making it flexible.

Third, it tastes amazing! The combination of the crispy cauliflower and the spicy buffalo sauce is irresistible. It is a great way to enjoy vegetables.

Lastly, it is perfect for sharing. You can serve it at parties or enjoy it by yourself. No matter how you eat it, you will love this buffalo cauliflower!

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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Cauliflower

First, you need to wash the cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure the pieces are about the same size. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.

Make the Batter

In a large bowl, mix the flour and water together. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything well. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still thin enough to pour.

Coat the Cauliflower

Next, add the cauliflower florets to the batter. Make sure each piece is fully covered. After coating, let the excess batter drip off before you place them in the air fryer.

Air Fry the Cauliflower

Now it’s time to air fry. 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 basket. Do not overcrowd them; you may need to cook in batches.

Cook for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, you can make the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter. Stir until they are well combined.

Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce

Once your cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower. Toss gently until each floret is evenly coated.

Serve

Serve the buffalo cauliflower right away. It is delicious on its own or with a dipping sauce. Try it with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can add some celery sticks on the side for crunch.

HOW TO SERVE Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

You can serve buffalo cauliflower in many ways. It is great as an appetizer or snack. You can also make it part of a main meal.

It pairs well with salads, sandwiches, or pizza. You can set up a snack platter with buffalo cauliflower, dipping sauces, and fresh veggies. It is perfect for parties where people can grab a bite.

If you have leftover buffalo cauliflower, it makes a great topping for a salad. Just chop it up and add it on top for some extra flavor.

STORAGE & FREEZING Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

If you have leftover buffalo cauliflower, you can store it. Place the cooled cauliflower in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze it until it is solid, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

To reheat, just place it in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This way, it will become crispy again.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can serve buffalo cauliflower with different things, such as:

  • Dipping sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, or yogurt dip.
  • Fresh veggies: Carrots, celery, or bell peppers for crunch.
  • Salads: Toss buffalo cauliflower into salads for extra flavor.
  • Sandwiches or wraps: Use it as a filling with your favorite spreads.

These options can make your meal more complete and enjoyable!

 

 

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to change the buffalo cauliflower recipe. Here are a few ideas:

  • Spicy Version: Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the batter for extra heat.
  • Cheesy Cauliflower: Mix in some grated parmesan or nutritional yeast into the batter for a cheesy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Baked Version: If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and drain it before coating with the batter.

2. Is buffalo cauliflower vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan if you skip the butter or use a plant-based butter substitute.

3. What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?
You can serve it with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, or alongside fresh veggies and salads.

4. How do I know when the cauliflower is done?
The cauliflower is done when it is golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

You can prepare buffalo cauliflower ahead of time. Here’s how:

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut and coat the cauliflower with batter. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.
  • Make the Sauce: Prepare the buffalo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Mix it with melted butter when you are ready to serve.
  • Reheat: If you stored the cooked cauliflower, reheat it in the air fryer for a quick, easy snack.

These tips help you enjoy buffalo cauliflower anytime with less effort!

Now you have all the details to make delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower right at home. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A spicy, crispy, and flavorful snack made from cauliflower and buffalo sauce, cooked easily in an air fryer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

Cauliflower Preparation
  • 1 medium head medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
Batter Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • 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
Buffalo Sauce Preparation
  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted Can use plant-based butter for a vegan option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets, ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
Make the Batter
  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and water together. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
Coat the Cauliflower
  1. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the excess batter drip off before placing them in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Cauliflower
  1. 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 basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
  1. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl until well combined.
Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce
  1. Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Toss gently until each floret is evenly coated.
Serve
  1. Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately. It can be enjoyed on its own or with dipping sauces.

Notes

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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