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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This quick and easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers bold, familiar buffalo flavor with a crispy texture, making it a perfect snack or main dish for families.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Base
  • 1 medium head cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets Ensure florets are uniform in size for even cooking.
Batter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Forms the batter for crisp coating.
  • 1/2 cup water To mix with flour for the batter.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Adds savory flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder Enhances overall taste.
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Adds smokiness.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Essential for flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Base seasoning.
Sauce
  • 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) Choose based on desired heat level.
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted Helps thin and coat the buffalo sauce.
Cooking Aid
  • Cooking spray To prevent sticking in the air fryer.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Make the Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
Coat the Cauliflower
  1. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  2. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Cauliflower
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  3. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
  4. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
  1. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce
  1. Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
Serve
  1. Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.

Notes

This recipe is versatile and can easily adapt to specific preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.