Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy, spicy, and completely addictive, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a lighter, plant-based take on classic buffalo wings. Cauliflower florets are air-fried until golden and crunchy, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce that brings the heat. It’s the perfect guilt-free snack, party appetizer, or meatless Monday side dish—ready in under 30 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Frying – The air fryer gives you perfect crunch without oil.
Big Bold Flavor – Spicy buffalo sauce adds a kick to every bite.
Healthy & Plant-Based – A great way to enjoy veggies in a fun, crave-worthy way.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for game days, parties, or movie nights.

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 melted butter or olive oil
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

For Serving (Optional):

• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (or dairy-free alternatives)

Tools You’ll Need
Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray the basket lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the cauliflower florets and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Air Fry the Cauliflower

1. Using tongs, shake off excess batter and place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
2. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter or oil.
2. Once cauliflower is cooked, transfer to a clean bowl and toss gently in the sauce until well coated.

Step 5: Crisp It Again (Optional)

1. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 2–3 minutes to set the sauce and enhance the crispiness.
2. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve warm with celery, carrots, and your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Garnish with parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower
Don’t Overcrowd – Give the florets space to crisp up properly.
Shake It Up – Flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking for even results.
Sauce Last – Toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce after air frying to keep it crispy.
Serve Immediately – Best when hot and fresh from the fryer.

Serving Suggestions
As a Party App – Serve with skewers and dip for a finger-food favorite.
In a Wrap – Add to a tortilla with lettuce, ranch, and avocado.
Over a Salad – Top greens with buffalo cauliflower and drizzle with dressing.
On a Bowl – Pair with rice, beans, and fresh veggies for a spicy grain bowl.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: They may lose crispness, but flavor stays great.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back some crunch.
Oven: Bake at 375°F until hot.
Microwave: Not recommended as it softens the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

2. Is buffalo sauce vegan?
Many store-bought versions are. Just check the label and use olive oil instead of butter.

3. Can I bake instead of air fry?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss in sauce and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.

4. How spicy is it?
Medium heat—adjust the buffalo sauce or mix with a bit of honey if you want it milder.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Best served fresh, but you can prep the batter and cut the cauliflower ahead to save time.

Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fiery, crispy, crowd-pleasing snack that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a meatless appetizer or a spicy side, it delivers all the flavor of buffalo wings with a veggie-forward twist. Easy, fast, and totally addictive—you’ll want to make this one on repeat.

Try it out and tag your version online—I’d love to see your spicy cauliflower creations!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 530mg

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