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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A delightful and healthier alternative to buffalo wings, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy on the outside and full of flavor, making it perfect for game nights or as a satisfying appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 head 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
  • as needed spray cooking spray For air frying

Instructions
 

Preparation

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

Cooking

  • 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.

Finishing Touches

  • 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.

Notes

To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer until crispy. For longer storage, freeze the coated (but uncooked) cauliflower, then air fry it from frozen.
Keyword Air Fryer, appetizer, buffalo cauliflower, healthy snack, vegetarian