Cаuliflower is like a veggie that changes to fit any dish . Roasted , mashed , turned into rice or even pizza crust , it shows up almost everywhere . Now аir fryers are popular in many kitchens too because they make food crispy without extra oil , and they cook fast while keeping taste and texture .
One recipe that gets a lot of buzz is Buffalo cаuliflower . It’s a spicy snack that tastes like Buffalo wings but is made from veggies . The аir fryer makes each piece crunchy and lets the sauce stick well . It works great as a game-day appetizer or a snack around the tv . With just few ingredients and easy steps , you nail a tasty treat .
Benefits of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Buffalo wings are a classic craving, but not everyone wants all that oil and calories . Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gives you the same zing with a bunch of perks .
- Healt hier swap for wings :
Cаuliflower bites have way fewer calories and less fat than fried chicken wings . You still get the crunch but without the guilt .
- Plant-based protein :
Cаuliflower gives fiber, vitamins C and K, and a bit of protein . That means you eat spicy food that still gives you good stuff .
- Quick and easy :
Your аir fryer cooks these in about 20 minutes . Hot air moves around the florets so they get crispy all over .
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Gather these simple items before you start :
- Main Ingredients :
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- Breading (optional) :
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper
- To serve :
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- Celery sticks or green onions
Directions for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Prep :
Wash and chop the cauliflower into same-size pieces .
- Bread them (optional) :
Mix flour, cornstarch, spices, salt and pepper . Toss florets so they get a thin coat .
- Air fry :
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) . Place cauliflower in one layer . Cook 12–15 minutes, shake basket halfway .
- Add sauce :
Put cooked florets in a bowl , pour on Buffalo sauce and toss to coat .
- Final fry :
Return to fryer for 3–5 more minutes so sauce gets a little sticky .
- Serve :
Move to plate , add dip and veggies on the side .
Tips for Making Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Pick fresh cаuliflower :
Choose heads that feel firm and have no spots .
- Zoom spice up or down :
Add honey to tame the heat or extra cayenne to pump it .
- Gluten-free option :
Use almond or coconut flour instead of regular flour .
- Store leftovers :
Cool them completely , then fridge in an airtight box up to 3 days . Reheat in air fryer to keep crisp .
Nutritional Information
- Calories : About 120 per serving (no breading) vs 400 for wings .
- Fat : 6g, mostly from olive oil .
- Carbs : 10g, makes it low-carb friendly .
- Protein : 4g from the cauliflower and breading .
- Fiber : Good amount to help your digestion .
Variations of Buffalo Cauliflower
- Other sauces : Try Sriracha, BBQ or teriyaki .
- Cheesy style : Add shredded cheese on top and air fry last few minutes .
- Taco twist : Serve in tortillas with avocado and slaw .
FAQs Section
- What is Buffalo cauliflower ?
It’s cauliflower tossed in Buffalo sauce to mimic wings .
- Frozen cauliflower ?
Yes , thaw and pat dry before cooking for crispness .
- Make it hotter ?
Pour extra hot sauce on top after cooking .
- Use oven instead ?
Sure , bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes , flip halfway .
- What to serve with it ?
Celery , carrots or a salad are good sides .
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fun , easy snack that still packs flavor . It’s perfect for parties or a quiet night at home . Give it a shot and see how veggies can be awesome .
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 silicone spatula
- 1 serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower About 1 pound.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup hot sauce Such as Frank’s RedHot.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- optional celery sticks For serving.
- optional blue cheese dressing For serving.
Instructions
- Start by washing the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the water until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the hot sauce and melted butter together in a small bowl.
- After 10 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and place it in a mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss to coat.
- Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately on a serving platter with optional celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
