Looking for a healthier yet flavorful snack or side dish? Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is your answer! This recipe provides all the spicy, crispy goodness of traditional buffalo wings, but with cauliflower as a lighter, vegetarian alternative. The air fryer creates that irresistible crispiness on the outside while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. Tossed in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites are the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or a healthy side dish, buffalo cauliflower is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare, and using the air fryer means you get all the crispiness of frying but without the excess oil. Plus, cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins, making this a nutritious choice for any meal.
If you love spicy food, this recipe will hit the spot, and if you’re looking to serve something unique, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously crispy and spicy treat!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower:
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the cauliflower a perfectly crispy exterior, mimicking the crunch of deep-fried foods but without the added oil and calories.
- Spicy and Tangy: The buffalo sauce adds the perfect combination of heat and tang, giving each bite a bold kick that’s balanced by the mild flavor of cauliflower.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is a quick and simple way to enjoy a healthy snack or side dish without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Healthy Alternative: This is a much healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Cauliflower is low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins C and K.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Air fryer buffalo cauliflower can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy, on-the-go snacks or added to salads and bowls.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it mild or super spicy, you can adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray for a lighter version)
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: The key appliance for making the cauliflower crispy without using excess oil. Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Even-sized pieces will ensure they cook uniformly.
- Mixing Bowls: Use one for the batter and another for tossing the cauliflower in buffalo sauce once it’s cooked.
- Whisk or Fork: To whisk the batter ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Cooking Spray or Basting Brush: A light spray of olive oil or using a brush helps coat the cauliflower florets for an extra crispy texture.
- Tongs or Spoon: To place and flip the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket without making a mess.
- Air Fryer Basket or Tray: Depending on your air fryer model, use the basket or tray to cook the cauliflower in a single layer for crispy results.
- Serving Plate: For serving your crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower, garnished with fresh herbs and dipping sauces.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure the pieces are evenly sized so they cook uniformly in the air fryer.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be golden and crispy when done.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, heat the buffalo sauce in a small pan or microwave. Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and optionally with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a nutritious snack or side dish, offering a good source of fiber and vitamins with fewer calories than traditional fried options. The combination of cauliflower and buffalo sauce keeps it both flavorful and light.
Variations
- Spicy Cauliflower: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter to make the cauliflower even spicier.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor twist.
- Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, coat the cauliflower in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before coating them in the batter to avoid excess moisture.
2. How do I make homemade buffalo sauce?
To make homemade buffalo sauce, combine 1/4 cup of melted butter with 1/4 cup of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) and a splash of vinegar. Mix well and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or butter as needed.
3. Can I make this in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden and crispy. The air fryer method is quicker, but the oven works well too!
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the crispiest cauliflower, make sure there’s enough space between the florets so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Adjust the batter consistency: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency. The cauliflower should be coated but not overly drenched in the batter.
- Use a brush for sauce: If you prefer a lighter coating of buffalo sauce, use a pastry brush to apply the sauce instead of tossing the florets in a bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with a variety of dips and sides:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy avocado dip complement the spicy cauliflower perfectly.
- Veggie Sides: Pair with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- As an Appetizer: These cauliflower bites make an excellent appetizer for game day or parties.
- Wrap it Up: Serve in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce for a delicious wrap.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower : Healthy & Delicious
Looking for a healthier yet flavorful snack or side dish? Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is your answer! This recipe provides all the spicy, crispy goodness of traditional buffalo wings, but with cauliflower as a lighter, vegetarian alternative. The air fryer creates that irresistible crispiness on the outside while keeping the cauliflower tender inside. Tossed in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites are the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Whether you're looking for a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or a healthy side dish, buffalo cauliflower is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to prepare, and using the air fryer means you get all the crispiness of frying but without the excess oil. Plus, cauliflower is a great source of fiber and vitamins, making this a nutritious choice for any meal.
If you love spicy food, this recipe will hit the spot, and if you're looking to serve something unique, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously crispy and spicy treat!
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The key appliance for making the cauliflower crispy without using excess oil. Preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Even-sized pieces will ensure they cook uniformly.
- Mixing Bowls: Use one for the batter and another for tossing the cauliflower in buffalo sauce once it’s cooked.
- Whisk or Fork: To whisk the batter ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Cooking Spray or Basting Brush: A light spray of olive oil or using a brush helps coat the cauliflower florets for an extra crispy texture.
- Tongs or Spoon: To place and flip the cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket without making a mess.
- Air Fryer Basket or Tray: Depending on your air fryer model, use the basket or tray to cook the cauliflower in a single layer for crispy results.
- Serving Plate: For serving your crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower, garnished with fresh herbs and dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray for a lighter version
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure the pieces are evenly sized so they cook uniformly in the air fryer.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a batter. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets in the air fryer basket.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be golden and crispy when done.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, heat the buffalo sauce in a small pan or microwave. Once the cauliflower is done, toss it in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and optionally with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
To make your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower even more delicious, try these tips:
Add extra seasoning: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for an added layer of flavor in the batter.
Increase the heat: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Use panko breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier exterior, coat the cauliflower with panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
Toss with cheese: After air frying, sprinkle the cauliflower with crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar for a creamy, tangy contrast to the heat.
Serve with dips: Pair it with creamy ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a cool yogurt-based dip to balance the spiciness.
Increase the heat: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for an extra spicy kick.
Use panko breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier exterior, coat the cauliflower with panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
Toss with cheese: After air frying, sprinkle the cauliflower with crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar for a creamy, tangy contrast to the heat.
Serve with dips: Pair it with creamy ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a cool yogurt-based dip to balance the spiciness.