Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, plant-based alternative to wings. These bite-sized cauliflower florets are coated in a light batter, air-fried until golden and crunchy, then tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meatless meal, they’re sure to be a hit with both veggie lovers and wing fans alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Oil – The air fryer gives you golden crunch with way less fat.
Big Bold Flavor – Classic buffalo heat with a tender veggie inside.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Plant-Based & Wholesome – Great for game day, snacking, or a healthy side.
Totally Dippable – Pairs perfectly with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅔ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for richer sauce)
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

For Serving (Optional):

• Carrot and celery sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
3. Add cauliflower florets and toss until fully coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cauliflower

1. Using tongs, shake off excess batter and arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are crisp and golden.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

1. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a small bowl.
2. Once cauliflower is done, transfer to a clean bowl and toss gently with the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Optional Extra Crisp

1. Return sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 2–3 minutes to help the sauce set and the edges crisp up again.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with parsley or green onions.
2. Serve with your favorite dip and crunchy veggie sticks on the side.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower
Don’t Overcrowd – Fry in batches to ensure each piece crisps up evenly.
Dry Your Cauliflower – Pat florets dry before battering for best results.
Recoat & Refry – The second fry after saucing is key for crisp texture.
Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions
Party Platter – Serve with ranch, carrots, and celery as a wing alternative.
Buffalo Wrap – Wrap in a tortilla with lettuce, avocado, and dressing.
Grain Bowl – Top rice or quinoa with buffalo cauliflower, veggies, and tahini sauce.
On a Salad – Add spicy crunch to any green salad for extra flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: They’ll lose some crispiness, but still taste great.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to bring back crispness.
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—makes cauliflower soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

2. Is buffalo sauce vegan?
Many are, but check labels. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it vegan.

3. Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in sauce and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes.

4. How spicy is it?
Medium heat—adjust by mixing buffalo sauce with a little honey or using a milder hot sauce.

5. Can I prep the batter or cauliflower in advance?
Yes—cut and store the cauliflower and mix the batter ahead. Coat and air fry just before serving.

Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crunchy, spicy, and wildly addictive—a healthier way to satisfy those buffalo wing cravings. Whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping snacks for game night, or looking for a fresh take on veggies, this recipe hits the spot every time.

Give it a try and share your creation—I’d love to see your take on this crowd-pleasing favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 170 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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