This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a tasty treat! Made with cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce, it’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it’s a hit at parties! I love serving it with a cooling dip. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy and zesty flavor without the mess.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower, but fresh gives the best texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for the batter. For a gluten-free option, chickpea flour is fantastic. It adds a nutty flavor and is perfect for binding.
Buffalo Sauce: You can use any store-bought buffalo sauce, but I like to make my own with hot sauce, vinegar, and butter for a richer taste. Adjust the heat level to your liking!
Olive oil: This adds a bit of flavor. If you prefer, you can use melted butter or coconut oil for a different twist.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture takes a few simple steps! First, coating the cauliflower evenly ensures every piece gets crispy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure the batter is not too thick—thin and even is key.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give them space to breathe.
- Shake or turn the cauliflower halfway through cooking for even browning.
- If you want extra crunch, toss the cauliflower in some breadcrumbs after the initial frying and air fry again.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
For the Battering:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating helps in getting your cauliflower nice and crispy!
2. Make the Batter:
While the air fryer is warming up, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. This will be the batter that sticks to your cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Now, add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the batter and toss them around until they are evenly coated. Make sure each piece is covered for the best crunch!
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use a brush to apply some oil. This will ensure that your cauliflower doesn’t stick while cooking.
5. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overlap them; this helps them get crispy all around. If you have a lot, it’s better to cook them in batches.
6. Cook Until Crispy:
Air fry the cauliflower for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or gently turn the florets halfway through to help them brown evenly. You want them crispy and golden brown!
7. Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. This adds extra flavor to your dish!
8. Coat with Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the top. Gently toss everything together to make sure the florets are well-coated.
9. Crisp Again:
Return the coated cauliflower back to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This step helps set the sauce so it clings to the florets, adding even more flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. Serve them hot, with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions or celery sticks for that extra crunch!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air-fried buffalo cauliflower! It’s a tasty treat, perfect for any occasion.
FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before coating in the batter. This will help achieve that crispy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
Absolutely! If you want a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of ranch dressing or use a milder hot sauce. For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper to the batter or use a hotter buffalo sauce!
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well with Buffalo Cauliflower?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic pairings. You can also try a yogurt-based dip or a creamy avocado dip for a healthier option!
