Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Try our Fiery Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower for a flavorful, plant-based twist on a classic favorite! This crispy, spicy dish is perfect as an appetizer or snack and is simple to make. Using cauliflower, a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Enjoy the crunch and bold flavors while indulging guilt-free. Impress your guests or treat yourself with this deliciously spicy creation that’s sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into equal-sized florets

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for added flavor, if desired)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste for preferred spiciness)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Celery sticks (for serving)

Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving)

Instructions

Prep the Cauliflower: Begin by washing the cauliflower thoroughly. Cut it into evenly sized bite-sized florets to ensure they cook uniformly. Aim for about 1-2 inches in size.

Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the almond milk, whisking continuously until the mixture forms a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to cling to the florets without dripping too much.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dredge each cauliflower floret in the batter, ensuring each piece is completely covered. Gently shake off any excess batter, and place the coated florets on a clean plate or tray.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the cauliflower.

Arrange for Frying: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have space between them for optimal crisping.

Air Fry: Cook the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, carefully shake the basket to promote even browning and crispiness. The florets should emerge golden and crunchy.

Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl while still hot. Drizzle the buffalo sauce and the remaining olive oil over the florets. Gently toss the cauliflower until each piece is well-coated in the tangy sauce.

Final Air Frying: Return the sauced cauliflower back to the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at the same temperature to slightly set the sauce and give it a final crisping.

Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with crunchy celery sticks alongside a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, arrange the cauliflower florets on a serving platter, drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired, and strategically place the celery sticks and dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your deliciously fiery treat!