Description
Crispy and spicy air fryer buffalo cauliflower made with a light batter and tossed in bold buffalo sauce. A flavorful vegan snack or appetizer that delivers the taste of buffalo wings using simple vegetables and a healthier air fryer method.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 600 g), cut into bite-size florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil spray or cooking spray
- Optional: 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower and cut it into evenly sized bite-size florets.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and place the battered cauliflower in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the coating becomes lightly crisp.
- Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
- Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 3–5 minutes so the sauce caramelizes slightly and sticks to the coating.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and optional chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the cauliflower becomes crispy.
- For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko to the batter.
- For a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with a little melted butter or honey.
- You can add smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the batter for a smoky flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
