If you’re craving a spicy, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect choice! This easy, flavorful recipe delivers crunchy, saucy, and satisfying bites—all with less oil than deep frying.

Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or a delicious vegetarian dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Flavorful – Lightly battered and air-fried to golden perfection.
Healthier Alternative – Enjoy the spicy goodness of buffalo wings with fewer calories.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, with simple ingredients.
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for game nights, parties, or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cauliflower:

• 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
• Cooking spray

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Pro Tip: Smaller florets get crispier, while larger ones stay softer inside.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 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.

3. Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated. Shake off excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.

4. Air Fry the Cauliflower

• 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 cauliflower in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. (You may need to cook in batches.)
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray before air frying.

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.

6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce

Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss until evenly coated.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your Buffalo Cauliflower immediately with:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
• Celery & carrot sticks for a classic side

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Buffalo cauliflower is best fresh, but you can freeze it before tossing in the sauce for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soft instead of crispy.

Pro Tip: If frozen, reheat directly in the air fryer without thawing!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

1. Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour.

2. Can I Bake Instead of Air Fry?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. How Do I Make It Extra Crispy?

For an even crispier texture, try these tips:

• Double-coat: After the first batter layer, let them sit for 5 minutes, then dip again before air frying.
• Use panko breadcrumbs: Add a light coating before air frying for extra crunch.

4. Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry completely before battering to avoid sogginess.

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