Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious!

Craving the zesty kick of buffalo wings but looking for a healthier, vegetarian-friendly option? Look no further! This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe delivers all the flavor and crispy texture you love, without the guilt. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Why Air Fry Buffalo Cauliflower?

The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking vegetables. It circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Here’s why air frying buffalo cauliflower is superior to other methods:

• Crispier Texture: Air frying creates a significantly crispier texture compared to baking or pan-frying, mimicking the satisfying crunch of deep-fried wings.
• Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier alternative. This recipe uses just enough oil to help the seasonings adhere, resulting in a flavorful and guilt-free dish.
• Faster Cooking Time: The air fryer cooks food much faster than a conventional oven, making this a quick and easy weeknight meal or snack.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are generally easy to clean, especially when using parchment paper or a silicone liner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower: Choose a firm, white head of cauliflower with tightly packed florets.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative): The flour helps to create a coating that crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet element.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your desired spice level.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk): Used to create a wet batter that coats the cauliflower.
• 2 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce: Use your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce. Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegan butter): Adds richness and helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Air fryer: A standard air fryer will work perfectly for this recipe.
• Large bowl: For mixing the dry ingredients and coating the cauliflower.
• Small bowl: For mixing the buffalo sauce.
• Whisk: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping the cauliflower.
• Tongs: For transferring the cauliflower to and from the air fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the best air fryer buffalo cauliflower:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Wash the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water.
2. Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, approximately 1-2 inches in size. Smaller florets will cook more quickly. Make sure the florets are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry mixture.
2. Gradually add the milk to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets, but not too thick that it becomes gloppy. If the batter is too thick, add a tablespoon or two more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Use your hands or tongs to toss the cauliflower, making sure each floret is well-covered.
2. Let the cauliflower sit in the batter for 5-10 minutes. This allows the batter to adhere to the cauliflower and will help create a crispier coating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the cauliflower will cook evenly and crisply.
2. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner. This will prevent the cauliflower from sticking and make cleanup easier. Make sure the liner you are using is air fryer safe and will not block the airflow.
3. Carefully place the battered cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the cauliflower from crisping properly. You may need to cook the cauliflower in batches.
4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Check the cauliflower at the 15-minute mark and add more time if needed, depending on the size of your florets and the power of your air fryer.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

1. While the cauliflower is air frying, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter). Whisk until well combined. The butter adds richness and helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower.

Step 6: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

1. Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl.
2. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat evenly. Make sure each floret is covered in the delicious buffalo sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the air fryer buffalo cauliflower immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings.
2. Optional garnishes include chopped green onions, blue cheese crumbles, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding will prevent the cauliflower from crisping properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking: This ensures even cooking and browning.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the cauliflower florets.
• Use high-quality buffalo wing sauce: The quality of the buffalo sauce will significantly impact the flavor of the dish.
• Add a pinch of sugar to the buffalo sauce: A small amount of sugar can help balance the acidity of the sauce.
• For extra crispy cauliflower, try double-dipping: After the initial battering, dredge the cauliflower in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and your preferred seasoning before air frying.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
• Spicier: Add more cayenne pepper to the batter or buffalo sauce.
• Sweeter: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce.
• Other vegetables: Try this recipe with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even sweet potatoes.
• Different sauces: Experiment with other sauces, such as BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizer: Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• Side dish: Pair with your favorite main course, such as grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
• Light meal: Enjoy as a light and healthy meal with a side salad.
• Game day snack: A healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings for game day.
• Tacos or Wraps: Use as a filling for tacos or wraps with added toppings like slaw or avocado.

Storage and Reheating

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

Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in a conventional oven at the same temperature, but it may take slightly longer. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make the cauliflower soggy.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200
• Fat: 8-12g
• Saturated Fat: 3-5g
• Cholesterol: 10-15mg
• Sodium: 400-600mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 4-6g

Conclusion

This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe is a delicious, healthy, and easy way to satisfy your cravings for buffalo wings. With its crispy texture, zesty flavor, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, grab a head of cauliflower, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that will have you coming back for more!

Enjoy more delicious Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for your convenience:

Enjoy!