Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Introduction
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a flavorful, crispy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it combines spicy buffalo sauce with tender cauliflower for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly treat.
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, whisk together the flour, milk, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter.
- Step 2: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the coated cauliflower florets in the basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
- Step 4: Air fry the florets for 13-15 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Step 5: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl and mix until smooth.
- Step 6: Once the cauliflower is done, toss it gently in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, spray the battered florets lightly with oil before air frying.
- Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the batter for extra flavor.
- Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a classic buffalo experience.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your hot sauce does not contain gluten.
Is air fryer necessary, or can I bake them?
You can bake the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 220°C (425°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, but the air fryer will yield a crispier texture.
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy, flavorful, and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, 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 a spicy side dish, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors.
- 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
Cauliflower and Batter
- 1 large cauliflower, chopped into equal-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup milk (such as soy milk or any preferred 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, combine the flour, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth, lump-free batter perfect for coating the cauliflower evenly.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the prepared batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This batter will help create a crispy outer layer once air fried.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the battered cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 13-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over it and toss thoroughly to coat all florets evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Cauliflower immediately as a spicy snack or appetizer. It pairs well with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- You can use gluten-free flour and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk to make this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by changing the amount or type of hot sauce used.
- For an extra crispy texture, consider spraying the coated cauliflower with a light mist of oil before air frying.
- Ensure the cauliflower florets are similar in size to cook evenly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
Keywords: air fryer cauliflower, buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, spicy cauliflower, healthy buffalo wings alternative
