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- 1 large head of cauliflower, broken into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour) - 1 cup water or any non-dairy milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup buffalo sauce (you can use store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe) - 1 tablespoon olive oil for a crispy finish - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for a vibrant garnish) - Celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping) The heart of this dish is the cauliflower. You want it fresh and firm. Florets should be bite-sized for even cooking. Next, the batter brings flavor and texture. I use all-purpose flour. If you need gluten-free, swap in gluten-free flour. Then, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. This mix gives a tasty kick. Buffalo sauce is what makes this dish shine. Use your favorite brand or homemade. It adds heat and tang. Finally, olive oil helps the florets crisp up in the air fryer. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. For dipping, celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing balance the spice. These ingredients come together to make a simple yet flavorful dish that you’ll love to share with friends and family. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Rinse and dry the cauliflower. Start by holding the large head of cauliflower under cold water. Make sure to wash it well to remove dirt. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat it dry. This step is key to keeping the batter on. 2. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Slice the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Aim for even sizes so they cook well. Smaller pieces get crispy faster. 1. Combine dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix them together well. 2. Whisk in the liquid. Gradually pour in 1 cup of water or non-dairy milk. Whisk constantly until the batter is smooth. It should have no lumps. This batter will coat the cauliflower nicely. 1. Dip florets into the batter. Take each cauliflower floret and dip it in the batter. Make sure it gets a nice even coat. Let any extra batter drip off before placing it aside. 2. Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This makes sure the cauliflower cooks evenly. 3. Cook the cauliflower. Place the battered florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. Mist or brush the florets with olive oil for that golden-brown color. Air fry for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway to ensure even cooking. 1. Coat with buffalo sauce. Remove the now crispy cauliflower from the air fryer. Place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour 1 cup of buffalo sauce over the florets. Toss gently until every piece is covered. 2. Final air frying for flavor enhancement. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce stick better and intensifies the flavor. - Importance of Even Coating: To get that perfect crisp, coat each floret well. A thick layer traps moisture. This makes your cauliflower soggy instead of crispy. Dip each piece fully into the batter for a nice finish. - Spacing in the Air Fryer Basket: Air fryers need space to work. Place cauliflower florets in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This allows hot air to circulate, giving you that crunchy texture. - Modifying Buffalo Sauce Levels: Want it spicier? Add more buffalo sauce! If you prefer less heat, use less. You control the spice level based on your taste buds. A little goes a long way. - Using Different Seasonings: Experiment with flavors! Try adding onion powder or cumin. You can also mix in herbs like oregano or thyme. This gives your dish a personal touch. - Serving Suggestions with Dressing: Serve your buffalo cauliflower with ranch or blue cheese dressing. This gives a nice cool contrast to the spicy cauliflower. Place the dressing in a small bowl for easy dipping. - Garnishing Ideas: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the cauliflower. You can also add celery sticks on the side. They add crunch and a nice visual appeal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower without any brown spots for the best texture and flavor. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little non-dairy yogurt to tone it down. Batch Cooking: To avoid overcrowding the air fryer, cook the cauliflower in batches to ensure they all get crispy and evenly cooked. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the batter, such as onion powder or cayenne pepper, to customize the flavor to your liking. {{image_4}} Gluten-Free Options You can enjoy this dish gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This change keeps the batter light and crispy. Make sure the buffalo sauce is also gluten-free. Vegan Substitutes To make this dish vegan, use non-dairy milk in the batter. Almond or oat milk works great. Ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan, too, as some brands contain dairy. Different Types of Sauces While buffalo sauce is classic, try different sauces for fun. Barbecue sauce adds a sweet twist. Sweet chili sauce gives it a spicy-sweet vibe. Experiment with what you love! Adding Cheese or Bread Crumbs for Extra Crunch For added crunch, sprinkle some bread crumbs on the cauliflower before air frying. You can also use cheese if you’re not vegan. Parmesan or cheddar adds a rich flavor and a nice texture. Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos Transform your buffalo cauliflower into tacos. Use small tortillas and fill them with the cauliflower. Add some fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes for extra crunch. Buffalo Cauliflower Salad Make a salad by tossing the buffalo cauliflower with greens. Add some avocado for creaminess and a tangy dressing. This makes a hearty and healthy meal. To keep your air fryer buffalo cauliflower fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. For the best quality, eat leftovers within 3 days. After that, the texture may change. It might not be as crispy, but the taste will still be good. To reheat buffalo cauliflower, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This keeps the cauliflower crispy. Avoid using the microwave. It can make the cauliflower soggy. If you must use a microwave, only heat it for a short time. Cooking buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer usually takes around 12 to 15 minutes. Start by air frying the battered florets for this time. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. After that, toss the florets in buffalo sauce and air fry for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce stick and enhances the flavor. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, fresh cauliflower gives a better texture. If you use frozen, thaw it first. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick nicely. If the florets are too wet, they might not crisp up well in the air fryer. Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with several dips and sides. I recommend serving it with ranch or blue cheese dressing. These creamy dips balance the spice of the buffalo sauce. You can also add celery sticks for a crunchy side. They help cool the heat and add freshness to each bite. This blog covered making tasty Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. You learned about key ingredients, from cauliflower to batter and buffalo sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, frying, and serving. We also discussed tips for crispiness and ways to adjust flavors. You can try fun variations and ensure proper storage for leftovers. Buffalo cauliflower is a versatile dish that fits many diets. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and styles. Happy cooking!

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Delight

A delicious and spicy air-fried cauliflower dish coated in buffalo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, broken into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup water or any non-dairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • to serve celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by rinsing the cauliflower head thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel, then slice it into bite-sized florets, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
  • Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Gradually pour in the water or non-dairy milk while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth and lump-free batter.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the florets on a plate, ensuring they are well coated but not overly soggy.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for the cauliflower.
  • Air Fry: Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded (you may have to cook them in batches). Lightly mist or brush the florets with olive oil to help achieve that golden-brown crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the spicy sauce.
  • Final Air Fry: Place the sauced cauliflower back into the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce to adhere better and enhances its flavor.
  • Serve: Carefully remove the buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve warm alongside crisp celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, arrange the cauliflower in a circular pattern and serve with dressing in the center.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo sauce, cauliflower, spicy, vegetarian