Description
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!
Ingredients
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
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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes