If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and packs a perfect punch, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish transforms humble cauliflower florets into spicy, crunchy bites that rival traditional wings but in a healthier, plant-based way. The magic lies in a simple batter and that classic buffalo sauce glaze, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, making each piece irresistibly tasty and guilt-free. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a quick appetizer, or a fun side, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your flavor cravings with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is straightforward but essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role, from the crispy coating to the zesty buffalo sauce that brings it all to life.
- â…” cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the base for the batter, giving it structure and a light crispiness.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Perfect for adding extra crunch to the coating, ensuring it’s delightfully crispy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the coating.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- ¾ cup water: Combines the dry ingredients into a smooth batter for coating.
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds): Broken into large florets, it’s the star of the show and perfect for soaking up flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: The essential spicy glaze that delivers that iconic tang and heat.
- Vegan Ranch (optional): A creamy dip that cools down the spice and adds richness when served alongside.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This high temperature is crucial as it allows the cauliflower to crisp up beautifully without drying out, giving you that perfect golden exterior with a tender inside.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Pour in the water and whisk everything together until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. This is where all that great flavor starts to build, so make sure it’s well mixed for an even coating.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets
Take your cauliflower florets and dip them one by one into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. The batter sticks wonderfully to the surface, promising a crunchy crust once air fried. Try to get them all evenly covered for consistent crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Coated Cauliflower
Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer inside your preheated air fryer basket. Cooking them in a single layer prevents steaming and helps each floret get that satisfying crunch. Air fry for 9 minutes, then carefully flip the florets over to enable even cooking throughout.
Step 5: Brush with Buffalo Sauce and Finish Cooking
After flipping, generously brush the florets with buffalo sauce. This step infuses them with that iconic spicy zing that makes this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe stand out. Continue air frying for another 5 to 10 minutes until the coating is crisp and slightly caramelized from the buffalo sauce glaze.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Remove the florets from the air fryer and give them another brush with buffalo sauce for extra flavor and shine. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe from great to unforgettable. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green and freshness. Celery sticks on the side bring a classic crunch and a cool contrast to the spicy bites.
Side Dishes
This spicy cauliflower pairs wonderfully with cooling sides like creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside toasted pita bread, a vibrant salad, or even roasted potatoes to create a complete, satisfying experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a novel twist, why not serve your cauliflower atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice? You can also transform this dish into sliders by placing florets in mini buns with lettuce and ranch. It’s a fun way to elevate this snack into a party favorite everyone will be talking about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tough!), store your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, retaining much of their crispness and flavor when reheated correctly.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the cauliflower to cool completely, then arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen buffalo cauliflower can last up to 2 months, making it perfect for quick snacks anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy. This method ensures your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is just as delicious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour works best for the crispy texture, you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends to keep it allergy-friendly or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just expect a slight change in texture.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is completely vegan as long as you choose a cruelty-free buffalo sauce and ranch alternative. It’s a fantastic plant-based meal or snack for everyone to enjoy.
Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?
Definitely adjust the buffalo sauce to your heat preference. If you like it milder, opt for a buttery or mild buffalo sauce. For extra kick, you can add cayenne pepper to the batter or drizzle more hot sauce when serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake it?
You sure can! Bake the coated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for around 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. While you won’t get quite the same air-fried crispiness, it’s still delicious.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?
Ensure you air fry in a single layer without overcrowding, as this allows hot air to circulate evenly and keeps the florets crispy. Also, avoid stacking or covering the cauliflower immediately after cooking to maintain the crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and crave-worthy textures without the hassle of deep frying. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious – the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy these spicy, crispy bites that bring a little extra joy to your table every time.
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a flavorful batter and air fried to crispy perfection, the cauliflower is tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and served with a creamy vegan ranch dip, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- â…” 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
Main Ingredient
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
Additional Ingredients
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
- Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to come to temperature while you prepare the batter and cauliflower.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for optimal crispiness once air fried.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the batter-coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 9 minutes, then carefully flip the florets to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with Buffalo Sauce and Continue Air Frying: After flipping, brush the cauliflower with buffalo sauce generously. Continue air frying for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the florets are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the crispy buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with extra buffalo sauce if desired, and serve warm with vegan ranch dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference.
- For best results, use a fresh, firm head of cauliflower and cut into similarly sized florets.
- Vegan ranch is optional but adds a cooling balance to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
