Description
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, healthier alternative to buffalo wings. The cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce and air-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any game day or casual get-together. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a vegetarian option with bold flavors!
Ingredients
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1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
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1/2 cup water (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon melted butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
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Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish
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Optional: Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
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Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, removing the thick stems.
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Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to thin it out.
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Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even crisping.
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Air fry the cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
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Prepare the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower is air frying, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir to mix until fully combined.
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Toss in buffalo sauce: Once the cauliflower is crispy and cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat each floret evenly.
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Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, and with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side if desired.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, you can add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
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To make it vegan, use a dairy-free alternative to butter and make sure the buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.
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If you prefer a crispier texture, you can air fry the cauliflower for a few extra minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American