Description
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe is a crispy, spicy, and healthier vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. Made with a light batter and air-fried to perfection, these cauliflower bites are coated in zesty buffalo sauce for the ultimate snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat.
-
Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
-
Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring full coverage. If using panko, roll each battered floret in the breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
-
Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
-
Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil.
- Toss the crispy cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
-
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks.
Notes
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper to the batter or mix hot sauce into the buffalo sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko.
- Vegan: Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.
- BBQ Version: Substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a milder option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizer, side dish,snack
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer buffalo cauliflower, healthy buffalo wings alternative, crispy buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian buffalo wings, spicy air fryer cauliflower