Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets); ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option); ½ cup water; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing); Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

If you love crispy, spicy snacks that are both healthy and delicious, then this Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer recipe is perfect for you! Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, this recipe brings the classic buffalo wing flavors to cauliflower in a healthier, vegan-friendly form.

The air fryer makes it so much easier to get that crispy texture without deep-frying, cutting out unnecessary oil while maintaining all the flavor and crunch. Ready to dive into this tasty treat?

Let’s get started!

🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment

To make the perfect Buffalo Cauliflower in the Air Fryer, you’ll need:

Air Fryer: The star of the show! This kitchen gadget ensures your cauliflower comes out crispy without all the added oil.
Mixing Bowls: For tossing the cauliflower in the batter and the buffalo sauce.
Baking Tray or Basket: You’ll place the cauliflower in this for air frying.
Tongs or a Spoon: To help you turn the cauliflower without burning your fingers!
Measuring Cups & Spoons: For getting the right amounts of flour, spices, and buffalo sauce.

🥣 What Do You Need to Prepare Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this crispy, spicy delight:

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
½ cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Optional for Dipping Sauce:

Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

🍽️ How to Make Easy Buffalo Cauliflower in the Air Fryer Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower 🥦

Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter 🥣

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too heavy.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower 🌶️

Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. You can also use your hands to gently press the batter onto the florets if needed.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower 🍳

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Brush the air fryer basket with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce 🔥

Once the cauliflower is crispy and done, remove it from the air fryer. In a separate bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated. Return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the sauce.

🌱 Variations of Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer

Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce for a spicier version of the dish.
Vegan Cheese: Sprinkle some vegan cheese shreds on top of the cauliflower after it’s tossed in the buffalo sauce, then air fry for an extra melty touch.
Different Sauces: While buffalo sauce is classic, you can try different flavors like barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce for a fun twist.
Add Veggies: Pair your buffalo cauliflower with other vegetables like carrots or zucchini in the air fryer to create a hearty dish.

📝 Cooking Notes

Cut the Cauliflower Evenly: For the best results, try to cut the cauliflower florets into similar sizes. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: When air frying, it’s important to give the cauliflower enough space to crisp up. If you overcrowd the basket, it might end up soggy.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour alternative like chickpea flour or almond flour if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Some models cook faster, so keep an eye on your cauliflower to avoid overcooking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Buffalo cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

As an appetizer: Serve your crispy buffalo cauliflower with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
On a salad: Add it on top of a fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
As a side dish: Pair it with other air-fried veggies or a healthy main course like grilled chicken or a veggie burger.
With a wrap: Wrap the buffalo cauliflower in a tortilla with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a spicy, satisfying meal.

🍀 Helpful Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispier Texture: If you want an even crispier texture, try tossing the cauliflower in a little cornstarch before dipping in the batter.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy bite, dip the cauliflower florets in the batter, then dip them again in a second coat before air frying.
Don’t Skip the Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Tossing the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce after air frying ensures it’s fully coated and flavorful. Just don’t overdo it if you like a milder taste.

🏆 Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower

Consistency of Batter: Make sure the batter is smooth and not too runny. If it’s too thick, the cauliflower might be too doughy; if it’s too thin, it won’t stick well.
Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower yields a better texture than frozen cauliflower, which may end up soggy.
Check for Doneness: Air fryers cook quickly, so keep an eye on the cauliflower to prevent burning. The florets should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.

⏰ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

🥗Nutritional Information

Calories: 150 kcal (per serving)
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 7g (including healthy fats from olive oil)

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FAQs 🤔

Can I make this buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the cauliflower and batter ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Air fry it right before serving for the freshest results.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
While fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just be sure to thaw and dry it thoroughly before coating to prevent excess moisture.

Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can always adjust the heat by adding less sauce or diluting it with a bit of melted butter or olive oil.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer recipe is the ultimate snack that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful! Crispy, spicy, and full of that satisfying buffalo sauce goodness, it’s perfect for any occasion whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a side dish, or just craving something savory and vegan. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this amazing dish without the guilt of deep frying.

Don’t forget to experiment with different sauces and dips to make it your own!

Enjoy!