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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup water - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil To make this dish, you need fresh cauliflower. Choose a large head with tight, white florets. This helps get a great texture when cooking. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These seasonings add nice flavors to the batter. I love smoked paprika for its mild, smoky taste. It gives the cauliflower a warm flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Celery sticks and ranch dressing balance the heat of the buffalo sauce. It’s a classic combination that many enjoy. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, rinse the cauliflower under cool water. This helps remove any dirt. Next, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. After chopping, pat the florets dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is key for a crispy texture. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth batter without lumps. This thick batter will stick well to the cauliflower. It gives each piece a tasty coating. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for crispiness. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook them for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crisping. When they turn golden brown, transfer the florets to a bowl and drizzle with buffalo sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece. Return them to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes. This final step sets the sauce and enhances the flavor. Afterward, serve them hot, topped with fresh parsley. To get that perfect crispy bite, follow these steps: - Dry the cauliflower: After rinsing, make sure to pat the florets dry. This helps them crisp up well. - Use a thick batter: Mix the flour, water, and spices until smooth. A thick batter sticks better. - Don’t overcrowd the basket: Place the florets in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp them evenly. - Preheat the air fryer: Always preheat it to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is key! - Shake halfway through: Shake the basket during cooking to help them cook evenly. You can make your buffalo cauliflower as spicy as you want. Here’s how: - Mild: Use a bit less buffalo sauce. Try starting with 1/4 cup. - Medium: Stick to the full 1/2 cup. This is the standard. - Hot: Add extra buffalo sauce or use a hotter sauce. - Customize: Mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for more heat. Cooking time is important for great results: - Cook for 12–15 minutes: This makes them golden and crunchy. - Final toss: After adding buffalo sauce, air fry for 3–5 more minutes. This helps the sauce stick. - Check for doneness: If they look golden and crisp, they are ready! Adjust time as needed for your air fryer model. These tips help you create a snack that is not just tasty but crispy and full of flavor! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Look for a large head of cauliflower that is firm and free of blemishes. Fresh cauliflower will yield the best flavor and texture for your dish. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests while maintaining a delicious crunch. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the batter by adding your favorite spices, such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or cumin for a unique flavor twist. Air Fryer Capacity: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and allows each floret to become crispy without steaming. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Instead of all-purpose flour, use gluten-free flour. Rice flour or chickpea flour works well. Both create a nice batter that sticks to the cauliflower. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. You’ll get the same crispy texture without the gluten. Buffalo sauce is great, but feel free to mix it up! You can use BBQ sauce for a sweet twist. If you like it hot, try a spicy Asian sauce like sriracha. You can also blend sauces for a unique flavor. Mixing buffalo sauce with honey gives a sweet and spicy kick that many love. Don’t stop at just cauliflower! You can add other veggies to your air fryer. Try using broccoli or Brussels sprouts for variety. Cut them to similar sizes for even cooking. Toss them in the batter just like the cauliflower. This way, you’ll have a colorful and tasty mix! After you enjoy your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Proper storage keeps them fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Reheat the cauliflower in your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 minutes. This helps restore the crispiness. You can also use an oven. Simply place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is quick, but it may make them soggy. To freeze buffalo cauliflower, place cooled florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1 to 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time. You can use either fresh or frozen cauliflower. Fresh cauliflower gives a crispier bite. If using frozen, thaw it first and pat it dry. This helps keep your snack crunchy. To add heat, use more buffalo sauce. You can also mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust based on your taste. Feel free to add spices like chili powder for extra flavor. Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with celery sticks and ranch dressing. The cool ranch balances the heat. You can also serve it with blue cheese or a yogurt dip. These sides enhance your snack experience. In this blog post, we explored how to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. We covered essential ingredients, seasonings, and garnishing options for perfect flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions, including how to prepare and cook the cauliflower for that ideal crunch. I shared tips for crispiness and adjusting spice levels. Plus, we discussed fun variations and how to store leftovers. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a tasty and healthy choice. Enjoy experimenting with this simple recipe!

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A delicious and spicy appetizer made with cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and tossed in buffalo sauce, perfect for a crunchy snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 2 water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 1 2 buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Begin by rinsing the cauliflower under cool water. Cut it into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re uniform in size for even cooking. Once chopped, pat the florets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp up better.
  • Make the Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and free from lumps, creating a nice, thick batter that adheres well to the cauliflower.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Carefully dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off back into the bowl—this ensures a lighter, crispier texture after frying.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This should take approximately 5 minutes, which is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.
  • Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches to maintain proper air circulation.
  • Air Fry: Cook the cauliflower for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The florets should turn golden brown and develop a crunchy exterior.
  • Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is nicely cooked, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the florets, and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated in the spicy sauce.
  • Final Air Fry: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 3–5 minutes. This step allows the buffalo sauce to set and infuse the florets with flavor, enhancing their spiciness.
  • Serve: Carefully remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a refreshing contrast.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo sauce, cauliflower, spicy, vegetarian