Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy, and spicy, all in one bite. The cauliflower florets are coated in a simple batter, air-fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a bold buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter. It’s a lighter, healthier twist on the classic buffalo wings, but it doesn’t sacrifice any of the flavor. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making it a great option for a guilt-free snack or appetizer that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set them aside.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth, creating a batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce and melted butter until fully combined.
6. Toss in the Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the air fryer and toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
7. Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-18 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter or sauce for an extra spicy version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Different Sauces: If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap out the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter to make the recipe fully vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover crispy buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain its crispy texture. You can also reheat in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

While fresh cauliflower works best, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Be sure to thaw and dry them well before coating and air frying to ensure they become crispy.

How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure to coat the cauliflower evenly in the batter and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also give them a light spray of cooking oil before air frying.

What kind of hot sauce should I use?

Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice for buffalo sauce, but you can use any hot sauce you like. Just keep in mind that different hot sauces may affect the flavor profile of your dish.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the battered cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Be sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you substitute plant-based butter for the regular butter, this recipe can be made vegan. Additionally, you can use a vegan hot sauce if desired.

Can I make the buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower and batter ahead of time. Just store the cauliflower and batter separately in the refrigerator and assemble and cook it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

If you like it spicier, you can add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce. Adjust to your preferred spice level!

How do I know when the cauliflower is done?

The cauliflower is done when it’s golden brown and crispy. If you’re unsure, you can check for tenderness by poking a piece with a fork. It should be easy to pierce but still hold its shape.

Can I add cheese to the cauliflower after it’s cooked?

Yes, for a cheesy twist, you can sprinkle shredded cheese over the cauliflower after tossing it in buffalo sauce. Place the cauliflower back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Can I serve this buffalo cauliflower with a dipping sauce?

Yes, buffalo cauliflower pairs perfectly with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a cool yogurt-based dip to balance out the heat.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a flavorful, spicy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone craving a lighter alternative to buffalo wings. With a crunchy exterior and tender cauliflower inside, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make in the air fryer. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these crispy bites will be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy the perfect balance of spice, heat, and crunch with every bite!

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