Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

$- 1 medium head of cauliflower - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free option) - 1 cup water (or plant-based milk) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 1 cup buffalo sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish - Celery sticks for serving I love using fresh cauliflower for this dish. It gives a great texture and flavor. You want to break it into bite-sized florets. This helps with even cooking. A medium head of cauliflower is perfect for this recipe. Make sure the florets are similar in size for the best results. For the batter, I mix flour with water or plant-based milk. This gives the cauliflower a nice coating. I use all-purpose flour, but gluten-free flour works too. It’s great for those who need it. The seasoning adds a kick to the batter. I use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to your heat level. Add salt and pepper for taste. Buffalo sauce is the star here! You can use store-bought or make your own. Just toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce to coat it well. For a final touch, drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower before serving. Fresh parsley brightens the look and taste. Celery sticks make a crisp side. Enjoy! Breaking down the cauliflower into florets First, grab your medium head of cauliflower. Remove the leaves and base. Cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are similar in size for even cooking. Mixing the batter ingredients In a large bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these dry ingredients together well. Then, slowly pour in one cup of water or plant-based milk. Keep whisking until you get a smooth batter, like pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. Preheating the air fryer Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (190°C). This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps cook the cauliflower evenly. Air frying the cauliflower florets Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to make sure the florets crisp up nicely. They should turn a golden brown and feel crunchy. Tossing cauliflower in buffalo sauce Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour in one cup of buffalo sauce. Toss gently to coat each floret evenly. Additional cooking for crispiness Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the air fryer. Cook for an extra 3 to 5 minutes. This step makes the buffalo sauce sticky and crispy. After this, you can enjoy your spicy delight! To get that nice crunch, preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps the cauliflower cook evenly. Set it to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This small step makes a big difference. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy bites. Give each floret some space. This way, they will crisp up nicely. Want to spice things up? Add more seasonings to the batter! Try extra garlic powder or even chili powder. This adds depth to your dish. You can also swap the buffalo sauce. Try spicy BBQ or teriyaki for a fun twist. Experiment to find your favorite flavor! Pair your buffalo cauliflower with cool dips. Ranch or blue cheese dressing works well. The creaminess balances the spice. For a fun presentation, use a colorful platter. Arrange the cauliflower bites and place celery sticks around them. This makes your dish look great and adds crunch! {{image_4}} You can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour alternative, like almond or rice flour. This swap keeps the texture light while catering to your diet. For a vegan twist, use plant-based milk in the batter. Almond or oat milk works well and adds a creamy flavor. Switching up your hot sauce can change the whole dish. Try different brands or even make your own for a personal touch. For a cheesy buffalo version, add shredded cheese to the batter. Just remember, this option is not vegan but sure adds a rich taste. Cauliflower isn't the only veggie that shines here. You can use broccoli or Brussels sprouts instead. These veggies roast nicely and soak up the flavors too. Mix and match different vegetables to create a colorful platter. It's fun and delicious! To keep your buffalo cauliflower fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours to prevent spoilage. It can stay good for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wait until it cools down. Place the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. The best way to reheat your buffalo cauliflower is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. A microwave is quick but may make them soggy. Buffalo cauliflower bites stay fresh for three days in the fridge. If frozen, they can last for three months. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or slimy texture. If you see any mold, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your tasty bites while they are still fresh! Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a spicy snack made from cauliflower florets. I coat them in a tasty batter, then air fry them until crispy. This dish is a great alternative to chicken wings. It’s flavorful and perfect for parties or game nights. The buffalo sauce gives it a fiery kick that many love. Plus, it’s plant-based, making it a fun option for everyone. Yes, you can make these buffalo cauliflower bites as spicy as you want! To adjust the heat, simply change the amount of cayenne pepper in the batter. Start with a bit less if you prefer mild flavors. You can also choose a hotter buffalo sauce for more heat. If you want to add a different flavor, try adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the batter. Making homemade buffalo sauce is easy! Here’s a quick recipe: - 1 cup hot sauce - 1/2 cup melted butter (or plant-based butter for vegan) - 1 tablespoon vinegar - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt to taste Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired. This sauce will give your cauliflower an extra kick! You can serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with many sides! Here are some great ideas: - Celery sticks for crunch - Carrot sticks for sweetness - Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping - A fresh salad to balance the spice These sides add freshness and contrast to the heat of the cauliflower. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a healthier choice than traditional wings. It uses less oil, and cauliflower is full of vitamins. This dish is lower in calories and fat, making it a smart snack. Plus, it’s packed with fiber, which is good for digestion. Enjoying this dish gives you a tasty treat without the guilt! Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a simple yet tasty recipe. We covered key ingredients like cauliflower, flour, and buffalo sauce. The cooking method makes them crispy without frying in oil. I shared tips on flavor and serving suggestions to make your dish shine. This dish is versatile and fun to make. You can try different sauces or add veggies. Enjoy exploring variations in flavor. Remember to store extras well and reheat when needed. Dive into this healthy twist on a classic and impress your friends!$

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Looking for a tasty and healthy appetizer? Try these Fiery Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up crispy, spicy bites that are perfect for game days or snack time. Made with simple ingredients like cauliflower, flour, and your favorite buffalo sauce, they’re easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, broken into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)

1 cup water (or plant-based milk for an extra creamy flavor)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust more or less for desired heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup buffalo sauce (your choice of store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for drizzling)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Celery sticks (for a refreshing side)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until combined.

Gradually pour in the water or plant-based milk while whisking until a smooth, thick batter forms. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter; add a bit more liquid if it's too thick.

Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring it's evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before placing the coated florets onto a plate.

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure an even cook.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in multiple batches.

Air fry the cauliflower for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even crispiness. The florets should turn a golden brown with a crunch.

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in the crispy cauliflower and add the buffalo sauce. Toss gently until every floret is well coated in the fiery sauce.

Return the buffalo-coated cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps to crisp up the buffalo sauce on the cauliflower bites.

Once ready, carefully remove the cauliflower bites from the air fryer and transfer them onto a serving platter. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color, and serve alongside crunchy celery sticks for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an added pop of color, serve the cauliflower bites on a vibrant platter, with celery sticks arranged decoratively around the edges.