Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a deliciously crispy and spicy dish that serves as the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a meatless main. This dish captures the essence of traditional buffalo wings while being entirely plant-based and simple to prepare. The combination of crunchy cauliflower and zesty buffalo sauce creates a flavorful experience that is hard to resist. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This air-fried buffalo cauliflower is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Here are some reasons why you will love it:
- It’s a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Perfect for parties, this buffalo cauliflower recipe for parties will impress your guests.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight snack.
- Vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.
- Rich in flavor while being low in calories, with only **200 calories** per serving.
- Customizable with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Gather these items:
- 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
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Step 5: Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Step 6: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Step 7: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Step 8: Once done, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure even cooking by cutting the florets to a uniform size.
- Use a good quality buffalo sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
- For added crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on the cauliflower before air frying.
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Here are some great ideas for serving:
- Pair it with a buffalo cauliflower with blue cheese dip for a classic experience.
- Serve alongside celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Enjoy it as a topping on salads or grain bowls for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the air fryer for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy your favorite spicy cauliflower bites throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
The secret lies in ensuring an even coating of the batter and not overcrowding the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate, resulting in crispy, tender crispy spicy cauliflower in air fryer.
Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the battered cauliflower and store it in the fridge before air frying. This saves time and allows for quick cooking when you’re ready to enjoy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each floret has space for the air to circulate, ensuring perfect cauliflower buffalo bites in air fryer.
Variations of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations:
- Try a vegan buffalo cauliflower recipe using a plant-based butter alternative.
- For an extra kick, add cayenne or chili powder to the batter.
- Experiment with different sauces, like teriyaki or barbecue, for a unique twist.
- Make it a full meal by serving over rice or quinoa.
For more delicious recipes, check out our appetizer category or try making veggie burgers with avocado green harissa for a tasty meal. You can also explore homemade tomato sauce for a perfect pairing!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: 5 Crispy, Spicy Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A deliciously crispy and spicy buffalo cauliflower made in the air fryer, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a meatless main.
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
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once done, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately with dipping sauce and celery sticks.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Reply