Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

The air fryer has become an essential kitchen appliance in many homes, and for good reason. This innovative device cooks food by circulating hot air around it, mimicking the effects of deep frying but with significantly less oil. The result? Food that is crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, all while retaining essential nutrients and flavors. The air fryer is perfect for preparing a variety of dishes, from fries and chicken to our star ingredient, cauliflower.

Try this Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect as a game day snack or a nutritious appetizer, this dish features crispy, tender cauliflower tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce. Discover the benefits of using an air fryer for quick, flavorful cooking with less oil. Enjoy a satisfying and delicious experience that's sure to please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Get ready for a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup water (or non-dairy milk for a creamier texture)

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

- Clean the cauliflower and cut it into bite-size florets. Make sure they are roughly equal in size to ensure even cooking.

Make the Batter:

- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add water (or non-dairy milk) while whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too runny.

Coat the Cauliflower:

- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the batter. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure all the florets are evenly coated.

Air Fry the Cauliflower:

- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

- Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, allowing some space between each piece. If necessary, work in batches.

Cook:

- Air fry the cauliflower for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the basket and shake it to toss the florets.

- Air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.

Toss in Buffalo Sauce:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower with the buffalo sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are coated in sauce.

Second Air Fry:

- Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer basket and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp up the buffalo sauce.

Serve:

- Remove the buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings