Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness of buffalo wings while keeping things plant-based. Using the air fryer results in a perfectly crisp texture without the need for deep frying, making this a lighter, healthier choice. The cauliflower absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully, delivering that irresistible spicy kick you love from traditional wings. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a fun snack during game day.

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¾ cup water

• 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets

• Buffalo sauce, for brushing

• Vegan ranch, for dipping, optional

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

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Add the water and whisk until smooth.

3. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir to coat evenly.

4. Lift the cauliflower out of the batter, allowing any excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s a little space between each floret.

5. Air fry the cauliflower for 9 minutes.

6. Carefully flip the cauliflower florets using a spatula and brush with some of the buffalo sauce.

7. Air fry for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is dark and crisp around the edges.

8. Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and brush with more buffalo sauce. Serve with vegan ranch for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

• Spicy Kick: Add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

• Flavor Twist: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of lemon zest to add unique flavors.

• Breading Options: For extra crunch, you can dip the cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs before air frying for a more traditional breaded coating.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the cauliflower, batter it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, simply air fry as directed.

2. Can I bake the buffalo cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is completely plant-based, and the optional vegan ranch can also be used for dipping.

4. What type of buffalo sauce should I use?

You can use any buffalo sauce you prefer, from mild to extra hot, depending on your taste preference.

5. How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and ensure the florets are coated evenly in the batter.

6. Can I freeze the buffalo cauliflower?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked cauliflower after air frying. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer from frozen.

7. Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes, you can try using broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even zucchini for a different veggie option.

8. How can I make this less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or opt for a mild sauce variety. You can also mix the buffalo sauce with a little bit of honey or barbecue sauce to balance the heat.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.

10. Can I serve this with other dipping sauces?

Absolutely! Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with a variety of dips, such as blue cheese, vegan ranch, hummus, or even a creamy avocado dip.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is an easy-to-make, flavorful snack or appetizer that brings all the boldness of buffalo wings without the meat. It’s a perfect dish for anyone craving something spicy, crispy, and plant-based. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, these cauliflower bites are sure to impress.

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