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AIR FRYER BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Easy and Delicious

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a flavorful and crispy plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. With a perfectly seasoned batter and spicy buffalo sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and ideal as a snack or appetizer for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Chop the cauliflower into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and thick enough to cling to the cauliflower.
  3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, coating it fully, and lightly shake off excess before air frying.
  4. Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Cook the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, gently tossing or shaking the basket halfway to promote even crisping.
  7. Combine the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl to prepare the sauce.
  8. Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until every piece is well coated.
  9. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese, accompanied by celery sticks for a classic touch.

Notes

  • Make sure the cauliflower pieces are similarly sized for consistent cooking.
  • Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to suit your spice tolerance; add more butter for a milder taste.
  • For an extra crunch, air fry the battered cauliflower for 2-3 additional minutes before saucing.
  • Buffalo cauliflower works great as a shareable snack, appetizer, or side, and pairs wonderfully with cooling dips.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days and reheat in the air fryer to keep crispness.