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Crispy air fryer buffalo cauliflower. Quick, easy, and delicious!
Lady Maria

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers crispy, tangy, and flavorful cauliflower florets without the guilt of deep-frying. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthier version of buffalo wings, perfect as a snack, side dish, or vegetarian meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce like Frank's RedHot
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • Optional: Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, for serving

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • Large bowl
  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • paper towels
  • tongs
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, creating a batter with the consistency of pancake batter.
  4. Add cauliflower florets to batter and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  7. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar in a medium bowl.
  8. Transfer cooked cauliflower to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
  9. For extra crispiness, return the buffalo-coated florets to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and sticky (optional).
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cauliflower florets are thoroughly dried before coating with batter. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level. Leftover cooked buffalo cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up again. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.