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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Spicy, Crispy, Guilt-Free Snack Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a spicy, crispy, and guilt-free snack that delivers all the bold flavors of traditional buffalo wings without the meat. Perfectly battered cauliflower florets are air fried to a golden crisp and tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for plant-based eaters and buffalo wing lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Batter

  • 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

Buffalo Sauce

  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted

Other

  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth, thick but pourable batter forms.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly. Shake off any excess batter before placing them into the air fryer basket to avoid clumping.
  4. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce with melted unsalted butter in a small bowl to create a rich, tangy coating.
  6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over it. Toss gently until each floret is evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese, alongside celery sticks for a classic pairing.

Notes

  • Cauliflower Size: Cut florets evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and crispiness.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on desired spice level; for milder heat, increase the butter in the sauce mixture.
  • Crispiness: For extra crunch, air fry the coated cauliflower for an additional 2-3 minutes before tossing with sauce.
  • Serving Suggestion: Enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with dips like ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower-spicy-crispy-guilt-free-snack-recipe/