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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 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving When I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. Start with one large head of cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly. You want a nice crunch! Next, I prepare the batter. I mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of water in a bowl. Then, I add some spices for flavor. I use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. I also add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This mix gives the cauliflower a tasty coat. Now, it's time for the star of the show: the buffalo sauce! I use 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. You can buy it or make your own. It adds the heat and tang we crave. To help the cauliflower crisp up, I add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. For garnish, I chop fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can serve the cauliflower with celery sticks and ranch dressing. They balance the heat and add extra flavor. Enjoy your time cooking this simple and fun dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse the large head of cauliflower under cool water. This helps remove dirt. Then, cut it into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. After cutting, pat the florets dry with a paper towel. This step is key to achieving crispiness later on. Next, grab a mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps. A well-mixed batter will coat the cauliflower perfectly. Now, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure they are fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, lightly grease the air fryer basket with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once preheated, arrange the coated florets in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches, depending on your air fryer size. Cook the cauliflower for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket for even crispiness. The florets should look golden and crispy when done. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Drizzle 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce over them. Gently toss to coat every piece evenly. For extra flavor, return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes. This helps set the sauce. When finished, take out the cauliflower and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your tasty and spicy snack! To get that perfect crunch, dry the cauliflower well before cooking. After rinsing, use a paper towel to pat the florets dry. This step helps the batter stick and keeps excess moisture away. Next, focus on the batter consistency. Mix flour, water, and seasonings until smooth. A thick batter sticks better, so avoid making it too runny. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. This ensures each cauliflower floret gets enough hot air to crisp up. Overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy pieces. Keep an eye on the time; it should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to help all sides crisp evenly. Garnishing adds a nice touch. After cooking, sprinkle fresh parsley over the cauliflower. It brightens the dish and adds color. Serve with celery sticks for crunch and ranch dressing for dipping. This pairing cools the heat and enhances the flavor. Your dish will look great and taste even better! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cauliflower: Always opt for firm, fresh cauliflower with tight florets for the best texture and flavor. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or opt for a milder variety. Batch Cooking: If you're making a large quantity, cook in batches to ensure all florets are evenly crispy. Perfectly Set Sauce: For an extra punch of flavor, let the sauced cauliflower rest for a few minutes before serving. {{image_2}} You can use different sauces to change the taste of your buffalo cauliflower. If you want a milder flavor, try using barbecue sauce or a honey mustard sauce. These sauces still add great taste without the heat. For those who love spice, try adding a bit of sriracha or a spicy garlic sauce. Mixing buffalo sauce with honey can also balance the heat with sweetness. Are you looking for gluten-free options? You can make a gluten-free batter by using almond flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just mix it with water and seasonings as you would with regular flour. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten. To make your buffalo cauliflower even more exciting, add extra spices or herbs. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for a rich taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can also brighten up the flavors. Mixing in nutritional yeast can give it a cheesy flavor without dairy. Each of these options can create a unique twist on the classic recipe. To keep your buffalo cauliflower fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps maintain its flavor and texture for up to three days. To reheat buffalo cauliflower, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This method keeps the cauliflower crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the cauliflower soft. Yes, you can freeze buffalo cauliflower! First, let it cool completely. Then, spread the florets on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they can last up to three months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes. You can store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, ensure it cools before sealing. This helps it stay crispy longer. Yes, you can make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in advance. Prepare it up to the point before adding the buffalo sauce. Store the plain cauliflower in the fridge. When ready to eat, just toss it in the sauce and air fry it for a few minutes. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. - Side dish suggestions: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or crispy potato wedges. Try serving it with a side of celery sticks for extra crunch. - Appropriate dipping sauces: A creamy ranch dressing is perfect for dipping. You can also try blue cheese dressing for a classic touch. If you like spice, serve it with extra buffalo sauce on the side. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is simple and fun to make. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to keep it crispy. Enjoying this dish is easy with variations and storage tips. Whether you prefer spicy or mild sauces, there’s a version for you. Don't forget to try different dips for extra flavor. Making this dish will impress your friends and family. Now, grab some cauliflower and start cooking today!

Spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A deliciously spicy and crispy cauliflower dish, perfect as an appetizer or 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 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 taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • optional celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and free of lumps.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. The florets should be golden and crispy.
  • Once cooked, carefully transfer the cauliflower into a large bowl. Drizzle with the buffalo sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
  • Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes to set the sauce and enhance the flavor.
  • Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a cooling effect.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo, cauliflower, spicy, vegetarian