Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer transforms an everyday vegetable into a crispy bold-flavored bite that satisfies any snack craving. It mimics the satisfying tang and heat of buffalo wings but keeps things lighter by swapping the meat for tender cauliflower and using far less oil thanks to air frying. Whether for game night or as a weeknight veggie dish this recipe never lasts long at my table.

I remember the first time I made this for friends on a movie night and everyone devoured these crunchy spicy bites before the opening scene was over. Now it is my go-to when I need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower florets: This neutral veggie soaks up the spicy sauce and crisps beautifully in the air fryer Choose firm heads without dark spots for best flavor
• All purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that crisps up perfectly Pick unbleached for a subtle flavor
• Water: Forms the base of the batter Filtered water is best for a clean taste
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth Check for fresh aroma to ensure potency
• Onion powder: Brings sweet earthy flavor Quality powder should have a slightly pungent smell
• Smoked paprika: Gives a mellow smoky background Use Spanish smoked paprika for extra flavor
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors Use kosher or sea salt for best seasoning
• Black pepper: Adds a little bite Freshly cracked gives more fragrance
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers that signature spicy heat Homemade or store-bought both work
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauce cling to the cauliflower Look for sweet cream for best results
• Cooking spray: Keeps everything crisp without adding excess oil Choose oil with a high smoke point like avocado or canola

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets making sure each piece is similar in size so everything cooks evenly

Make the Batter:

Whisk the flour water garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper together until you have a smooth thick mixture that clings but still drips from a spoon

Coat the Cauliflower:

Drop each floret into the batter and roll it around until it is completely covered then let any extra batter drip off before moving to the next step

Air Fry the Cauliflower:

Preheat your air fryer to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray Place as many battered florets as will fit in a single layer without touching Air fry for twelve to fifteen minutes shaking the basket halfway through until golden and crisp

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

Melt the butter and whisk it into the buffalo sauce in a small bowl until well blended

Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce:

Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a mixing bowl Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over top and toss gently to cover every piece

Serve:

Present the buffalo cauliflower hot along with dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese and plenty of celery sticks

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Buffalo sauce is the superstar here I love a tangy well-balanced one that packs heat but does not overpower the cauliflower My family always makes jokes about how we fight over the last saucy piece at the table and I think that says it all

Storage Tips

Keep leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days When ready to reheat spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at three hundred fifty degrees until crisp again Usually four to five minutes is all it takes They will not stay quite as crunchy as fresh but this method is much better than the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this gluten-free swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend A chickpea or rice flour also works well For a dairy-free version use vegan butter or olive oil in place of the melted butter If you want less heat dilute your buffalo sauce with extra melted butter or even a splash of honey

Serving Suggestions

Serve buffalo cauliflower as a zesty appetizer with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese For a fun twist add them to wraps with lettuce and tomatoes or pile onto a salad with extra buffalo sauce I sometimes use leftovers in a grain bowl with quinoa and avocado for lunch

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Cultural Context

Buffalo cauliflower takes inspiration from classic Buffalo chicken wings invented in Buffalo New York The sauce brings together hot sauce and butter for a punchy mouth-coating flavor Cauliflower has risen in popularity as a meatless swap in recent years letting more people enjoy this beloved flavor combination

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I achieve extra crispy buffalo cauliflower?

For more crunch, air fry the battered cauliflower for 2-3 extra minutes before tossing in the buffalo sauce. Avoid overcrowding and shake the basket midway for even crispiness.

→ Can I make this dish milder or spicier?

Yes, adjust the buffalo sauce and butter ratio to suit your spice preference. More butter will mellow the heat, while extra sauce amps it up.

→ What’s the best way to cut cauliflower for air frying?

Slice the cauliflower into bite-sized, uniform florets. Similar sizes ensure even cooking and a consistent texture across all pieces.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness before serving.

→ Which dips pair best with buffalo cauliflower?

Classic options like ranch or blue cheese dressing complement the heat and crispiness well. Add celery sticks for extra crunch and cooling flavor.