Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
why make this recipe
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a tasty and healthy snack or appetizer. It’s a great way to enjoy the spicy flavor of buffalo wings without the calories from meat. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a delicious crispiness while using less oil than traditional frying. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just want a quick bite, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone.
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 :
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Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
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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.
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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 is best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. You can enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Pair it with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. To make it a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp salad or as a topping on a grain bowl.
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 and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
- If you want a thicker coating, dip the cauliflower in the batter a second time before air frying.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the batter for unique flavors.
variation
You can try substituting the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or a different hot sauce for a different flavor. Additionally, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top in the last few minutes of air frying can create a cheesy version of this dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating it in the batter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a plant-based flour and use a vegan butter alternative for the sauce.
How can I make the batter gluten-free?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes, and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- 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 evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks on the side.