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- 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup water (or plant-based milk for a richer taste) - 1 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot based on preference) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key to crispy buffalo cauliflower lies in the batter. The flour creates a nice coating. The spices add flavor. You can use milk for a creamier texture. The cauliflower absorbs the sauce well after frying. - Bread crumbs for extra crunch - Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor - Other vegetables like broccoli or carrots Want to switch things up? Add bread crumbs for a crunchier bite. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also mix in other veggies for variety. - Extra spices like cayenne or chili powder for heat - Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping - Lemon juice for a zesty kick Feel free to experiment with spices! If you like heat, cayenne is perfect. Pair your buffalo cauliflower with ranch or blue cheese dressing. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting your large cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. Each floret should be similar in size for even cooking. Place them in a large bowl. This helps keep them from getting mushy. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then, whisk in a cup of water or plant-based milk. You want this mix to be smooth and like pancake batter. Dip each floret into the batter until well coated. Let any extra batter drip off before placing them on a plate. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry them for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure they cook evenly. Look for a golden brown color and crisp texture. Once the cauliflower is crispy and cooked, remove it from the air fryer. Place the hot florets in a large bowl. Drizzle your favorite buffalo sauce over the cauliflower. Toss gently to make sure every piece gets coated. If you want extra crispiness, you can return the coated florets to the air fryer. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This is a great way to enhance that crunchy texture. Enjoy your flavorful snack! To get that perfect crisp, follow these steps: - Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter is smooth. It should feel like pancake batter. - Coating: Coat each cauliflower floret well. This helps it crisp up nicely. - Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed. - Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket. This helps them cook evenly. For a tastier dish, consider these tips: - Season Your Batter: Add more spices like cayenne for heat. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance flavor. - Use Different Sauces: Mix buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese for unique flavors. - Garnish: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. It makes the dish pop! If you need swaps, here are some ideas: - Flour Options: Use almond flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version. - Milk Choices: Replace water with almond milk or oat milk for richer flavor. - Buffalo Sauce Alternatives: Try BBQ sauce for a sweeter taste or sriracha for more heat. These tips keep your dish fun and adaptable! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Select a large, fresh cauliflower head with tight florets and vibrant green leaves for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to mix mild and hot buffalo sauces or add a touch of honey for sweetness if you prefer a milder flavor. Keep It Crispy: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Work in batches if necessary. Garnish for Flavor: Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. {{image_2}} You can choose how hot you want your buffalo cauliflower. For a spicy kick, use a hot buffalo sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, choose a milder sauce. You can even mix sauces. Try half hot and half mild for a balanced taste. Adding a bit of honey or maple syrup can also tone down the heat. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Almond flour or chickpea flour works great. Substitute the all-purpose flour with the gluten-free option in the batter. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, you can enjoy the crispy snack without worry. Besides the air fryer, you can bake or roast the cauliflower. For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the battered florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway. If you want to grill, place the florets on skewers. Grill them over medium heat until they get crispy and charred. Each method gives a unique taste. To keep your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. Avoid stacking the pieces too close. This helps prevent sogginess. When reheating, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cauliflower in a single layer. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will help restore that crispy texture. You can also use an oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes. If you want to freeze your buffalo cauliflower, first let it cool completely. Spread the florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, cook them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! To make buffalo cauliflower vegan, swap regular flour for chickpea flour. Use plant-based milk instead of water for the batter. This keeps the dish fully plant-based. Finally, check your buffalo sauce to ensure it is vegan-friendly. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and drain it well before using it in the recipe. Make sure the florets are dry to help the batter stick. Buffalo cauliflower tastes great with ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also try a creamy avocado dip or a tangy tahini sauce. These pair well with the spicy kick. Cook the buffalo cauliflower for about 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. If you want extra crispiness, you can air fry it for an additional 3 to 5 minutes after tossing it in sauce. Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken slightly. In this article, we explored how to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with ease. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the perfect texture. You can try variations and learn how to store leftovers too. With simple ways to adjust spice levels and sauces, you can make it just right for you. Enjoy your crispy, flavor-packed dish anytime you crave it!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A spicy and crispy cauliflower dish made in the air fryer, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cauliflower head, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and water until smooth. This mixture should have a pancake batter-like consistency.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's well coated. Allow excess batter to drip off and then place the florets on a plate.
  • Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring it's ready for crisping.
  • Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking until golden brown and crispy.
  • Buffalo Sauce Toss: Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and put it in a large bowl. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the hot cauliflower and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
  • Return to Air Fryer (Optional): For an extra kick, you can return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 3–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to get a bit more crispiness.
  • Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo sauce, cauliflower, vegetarian