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AIR FRYER BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Easy and Delicious

Enjoy a flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower that captures the zesty essence of buffalo wings without the meat. This easy-to-make dish uses cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter, air fried to perfection, then tossed in buttery buffalo sauce for a tasty, plant-based appetizer or snack.
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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. Start by chopping the cauliflower into similar-sized small florets for uniform cooking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth but thick enough to coat.
  3. Dunk each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they’re completely covered; gently shake off extra batter before air frying.
  4. Heat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Cook the cauliflower for 12 to 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to crisp all sides evenly.
  7. While the cauliflower cooks, stir together the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl until blended.
  8. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl and drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture on top, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly.
  9. Serve right away with ranch or blue cheese dip and celery sticks for a classic touch.

Notes

  • Make sure cauliflower pieces are similar in size to cook uniformly.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to suit your spice level; add extra melted butter for milder heat.
  • For an extra crunch, air fry the battered florets for 2-3 minutes extra before saucing.
  • Buffalo cauliflower makes a great appetizer, snack, or side dish paired with creamy dips.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer to keep crispiness.