Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Introduction
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a deliciously crispy, spicy snack or appetizer that’s perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Coated in a light batter and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites are a healthier alternative to traditional wings, yet just as flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower, chopped into equal-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup milk (such as soy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 2: Quickly dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Step 3: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.
- Step 4: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl until smooth to create the buffalo sauce.
- Step 5: Once the cauliflower is cooked, toss the crispy florets gently in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the ratio of hot sauce to butter to make the buffalo sauce milder or spicier according to your preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for an authentic buffalo flavor experience.
- Make sure to arrange cauliflower in a single layer so they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
Storage
Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to regain crispiness before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
Yes, you can use any hot sauce you prefer, but traditional buffalo flavor is best achieved with a cayenne pepper-based sauce like Frank’s. Feel free to experiment with your favorite brands.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour in the batter. Make sure all other ingredients, like hot sauce and butter, are also gluten-free.
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious, crispy, and spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Lightly battered cauliflower florets are air-fried to golden perfection and then tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and melted butter. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, it’s a flavorful treat that’s also vegetarian and can be easily made vegan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Batter:
- 1 large cauliflower, chopped into equal-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup milk (such as soy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Buffalo hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth, creating a batter with no lumps.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Quickly dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated on all sides before arranging them in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the coated florets for 13-15 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl, stirring until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once air-fried, immediately toss the crispy cauliflower florets in the prepared Buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo cauliflower hot and fresh, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can adjust the ratio of hot sauce to butter to customize the heat level to your preference.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk (such as soy or almond milk) and dairy-free butter substitutes.
- Ensure cauliflower florets are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Keywords: Buffalo Cauliflower, Air Fryer Cauliflower, Vegetarian Buffalo Wings, Spicy Cauliflower, Air Fryer Appetizer
