Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with sauce, ready to serve

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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a spicy, crunchy snack or appetizer without the guilt. This wonderful recipe takes the classic flavors of buffalo wings and transforms them into a healthy, plant-based option that is suitable for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians. Let’s dive into how this delightful dish will please your taste buds and potentially become your new favorite party food!

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 150
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 890mg

Why Make This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a delicious yet nutritious dish, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is just what you need. The cauliflower florets, when cooked perfectly, are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The spicy buffalo sauce adds a warmth that will leave your taste buds dancing, while the ease of preparation in an air fryer keeps things simple and quick. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet without feeling deprived.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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

Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

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

### Step 2: Mixing

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.

### Step 3: Cooking

Add the cauliflower florets to 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. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

### Step 4: Finishing

While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss 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.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Serving Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is simple yet effective. Present it in a large bowl, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Offer a selection of dipping sauces like creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese for guests to enjoy. Pair it with celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch that balances out the heat. This dish is perfect for game day, parties, or as a fun weeknight snack.

How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

  • Make sure to cut cauliflower into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Experiment with different spices in the batter, such as cayenne for extra heat or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get crispy.

Delicious Variations

  • Add shredded cheese on top of the cauliflower before air frying for a cheesy twist.
  • Toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice after coating in buffalo sauce for a heartier dish.
  • Drizzle with a bit of honey after tossing in sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use frozen cauliflower?
    Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating.

  • Is this recipe vegan?
    Yes, if you use plant-based butter instead of regular unsalted butter, this recipe is vegan-friendly.

  • Can I make this ahead of time?
    You can prep the cauliflower and batter ahead, but it’s best to cook just before serving to keep the cauliflower crispy.

  • What is the best dipping sauce?
    Ranch and blue cheese are classics, but you can also try a yogurt-based sauce or even a cooling cucumber dip.

  • How can I make it spicier?
    For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or toss in some chopped jalapeños with the cauliflower.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. With its crispy texture and spicy flavor, it’s a wonderful alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll find it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready for a delicious treat that everyone will love! Enjoy!

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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower


  • Author: lydia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Enjoy a spicy, crunchy snack with this healthy, plant-based Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe, perfect for parties or as a nutritious appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to 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.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
  5. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. Once done, place the cauliflower in a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and some celery sticks on the side.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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