Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a vibrant and spicy plant-based dish that combines the crispy crunch of buffalo wings with the healthy goodness of cauliflower. The air fryer ensures a perfect texture without deep frying, making it a healthier alternative.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup water
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into uniform, bite-sized florets for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
- Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large bowl and toss it with the buffalo sauce until each floret is evenly coated.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can air fry the cauliflower for an additional 2-3 minutes after coating with the buffalo sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.
- You can customize the spice level of the buffalo sauce by adjusting the amount or adding more butter or honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
