This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fun twist on a classic snack! With a spicy kick from buffalo sauce and a crunchy texture, it’s perfect for game day or anytime you crave something tasty.
Trust me, these little bites are so good that even veggie skeptics might come back for seconds! I love pairing them with a cool dip—it’s the best way to enjoy a spicy treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! Fresh cauliflower gives the best texture. If you can’t find cauliflower, broccoli florets work too, though they will have a different taste and texture.
All-purpose flour: This forms the batter. You can easily swap this for gluten-free flour if needed, or use a mix of cornstarch for a lighter coating.
Buffalo sauce: A classic choice for heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, you could substitute with BBQ sauce, or even a mix of hot sauce and honey for a sweeter spin.
Batter mix spices: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are key, but feel free to add your favorites. Paprika, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne can amp up the flavor if desired.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about the batter and cooking method. Here’s how to ensure your cauliflower comes out crunchy!
- Mix the batter well, ensuring it’s smooth and coats the cauliflower evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it’s better to do batches. This allows hot air to circulate around each floret and creates crispiness.
- Finish by giving the cauliflower a second quick fry after tossing it in the buffalo sauce. This really helps to set the sauce and keep the exterior crunchy.
Remember, a light spray of cooking oil helps too, as it promotes browning and crisping. Enjoy your tasty cauliflower bites!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for mixing with buffalo sauce)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a spicy and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the cauliflower starts cooking as soon as you place it inside!
2. Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until you have a smooth batter that is free from lumps.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before moving to the next step.
4. Air Fry the Florets:
Carefully place the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. First Cook Cycle:
Air fry the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy all around.
6. Mix the Sauce:
While the cauliflower is cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the buffalo sauce and melted butter (if using). This adds a rich flavor to the sauce!
7. Toss with Sauce:
Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower and toss gently until all the pieces are coated.
8. Final Touch in the Air Fryer:
Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps set the sauce and adds extra crispiness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Take out your crispy buffalo cauliflower and serve them hot! They’re fantastic with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before coating. You may want to pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which could impact crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce or a combination of hot sauce mixed with honey for a sweet and spicy kick. Just adjust the amount to your taste!
How Long Will Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower Last?
Leftover buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer or oven to regain their crispiness instead of using the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch for the batter to maintain a crispy texture without gluten.
