Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a perfect vegetarian appetizer or snack. This recipe features tender cauliflower florets coated in a savory batter, air-fried to a golden crisp, and tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce mixed with melted butter for a deliciously tangy finish. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying treat.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 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
Buffalo Sauce
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
Other
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth, thick but pourable batter.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss them gently to fully coat each piece. Shake off any excess batter so the coating is light and even.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl, mixing well to create a rich, spicy sauce.
- Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo butter sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently until each floret is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve your air fryer buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, consider double-coating the cauliflower by dipping them back into the batter before air frying.
- If you prefer less heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount used.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisp texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.
- Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a classic buffalo experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipes, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snacks, buffalo sauce, crispy cauliflower