Description
A deliciously crispy and spicy air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe that’s perfect as a vegetarian appetizer or snack. These cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, air fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a game day favorite that’s both easy and healthier than traditional wings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Coating
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 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
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
To Serve
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to cook the cauliflower to crispy perfection.
- Prepare the batter. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Coat the cauliflower florets. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, press each floret into the panko breadcrumbs to fully coat them, ensuring a crunchy exterior after cooking.
- Arrange and cook in the air fryer. Place the breaded florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding; work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Prepare the buffalo sauce. While the cauliflower cooks, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Toss cauliflower in buffalo sauce. Once cooked and crispy, transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce so each piece is well coated.
- Serve immediately. Present the buffalo cauliflower hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated cauliflower florets with cooking spray before air frying.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or omit the butter altogether in the buffalo sauce.
- Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even airflow and crisping.
- This dish is best served immediately for maximum crisp texture.
