Looking for a healthier version of your favorite buffalo wings? Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with delicious spicy buffalo sauce. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just want to cut back on meat, this dish will become your go-to alternative. With the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy a guilt-free plate of hearty goodness without deep-frying in oil! Here, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to create a mouthwatering buffalo cauliflower you’ll love.
Ingredients List
To make air fryer buffalo cauliflower, you only need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
- 1/3 cup hot sauce : Frank’s RedHot or Cholula are excellent choices with just the right amount of heat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil : Helps to coat the cauliflower and crisp it up in the air fryer.
- 1 medium head of cauliflower : Choose one that weighs around 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, which provides ideal portioning.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour : This serves as the base for a light coating.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch : Adds extra crunch that you want from “fried” cauliflower.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder : For that added savory depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt : Enhances the flavors and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Required Kitchen Tools
Below are a few key kitchen tools that will make this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe a breeze:
- Air Fryer : A trusty air fryer will help you get that crisp without excessive oil. A 5 1/2-quart or larger model should fit the cauliflower comfortably.
- Whisk : Handy for combining the hot sauce and olive oil smoothly.
- Large Bowls (2 needed) : One for buffalo sauce and one for the dry coating.
- Slotted Spoon : Ideal for transferring cauliflower without carrying too much liquid with it.
- Tongs or Silicone Spatula : For turning the cauliflower midway through the air frying process.
Ready to take the next step in preparing your buffalo cauliflower? Let me know, and we’ll continue with combining ingredients and prepping the cauliflower!
Preparation and Mixing Ingredients
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to prepare and mix everything together. This step is crucial to make sure each bite of cauliflower is packed with flavor and cooked to crispy perfection.
Step 1: Mixing Buffalo Sauce and Oil
In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup of hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of olive oil . Use a whisk to mix until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. The olive oil not only helps the sauce adhere to the cauliflower, but it also ensures a beautiful crispy texture when air fried.
Step 2: Prepping the Cauliflower
While your sauce sits ready, prepare the cauliflower. Take your medium head of cauliflower and remove the outer leaves. Slice the cauliflower in half, then carefully cut away the tough core from the center. Proceed to break the cauliflower into florets that are about 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch pieces . This size is ideal- large enough to stay tender on the inside while still getting crispy on the outside.
Once the cauliflower is prepped, transfer all the florets into the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Don’t rush this part—the more evenly coated your cauliflower, the better the balance of flavor when it’s cooked.
Step 3: Preparing the Dry Mixture
In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour , 1/4 cup cornstarch , 1 teaspoon garlic powder , and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt . These dry ingredients will give the cauliflower extra crunch as the cornstarch crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Using a slotted spoon (or your hands), transfer the cauliflower from the sauce mixture into the dry mix bowl. Don’t worry if there’s a little bit of sauce left in the buffalo bowl—you’ll use that later!
Gently toss the cauliflower in the flour-cornstarch mixture, making sure each floret is coated evenly. The combination of flour and cornstarch will not only add a crispy coating but will also seal in the buffalo flavors.
Cooking the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Now that your cauliflower florets are perfectly prepped and coated, it’s time to cook them to crispy, spicy perfection in the air fryer.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
To get the cauliflower extra crispy, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to heat up for about 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures an even and quick cook.
Step 2: Air Frying the Cauliflower
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the cauliflower florets in the basket or tray. Try to arrange the florets in a single layer as much as possible, but a little overlap is okay. Overcrowding the air fryer can prevent some pieces from crisping up properly, so you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Next, air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes , turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy. Every 5 minutes, give the basket or tray a good shake or use tongs to toss the florets. Check frequently after the 15-minute mark—cooking times can vary based on your specific air fryer model and the size of your cauliflower florets.
The end goal? Beautifully crispy, golden-brown bites with a soft and tender center. Once the cauliflower is crispy and lightly browned , you’re good to go.
Serving Up Your Buffalo Cauliflower
Now that your cauliflower is crispy and golden from the air fryer, it’s time for the finishing touches to make this dish irresistibly delicious.
Step 1: Toss Cauliflower in Extra Buffalo Sauce (Optional)
Remember that buffalo sauce left behind in the first bowl? If you love a strong buffalo flavor, now is the time to use it.
Once the cauliflower is out of the air fryer, place it back into the bowl with any leftover buffalo sauce (or toss a little extra hot sauce of your choice if you want even more heat). Give the florets a quick toss to lightly coat them again, ensuring that every bite packs that signature tangy, spicy punch.
Note: If you prefer a crispier bite, you can skip this extra saucing step and serve them as-is.
Step 2: Serve Immediately with Dipping Sauces
Buffalo cauliflower is best served fresh out of the air fryer while the exterior is still crispy! For that authentic buffalo wing experience, pair your cauliflower with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also garnish the dish with some freshly chopped celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side for some added crunch.
Some other serving ideas you can try:
- Tacos: Stuff the crispy buffalo cauliflower into warm tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce and avocado.
- Bowls: Add the buffalo cauliflower to grain bowls with rice, quinoa, or greens, along with drizzles of creamy dressing.
- Salads: Sprinkle them on top of a crisp garden salad for an extra kick.
Step 3: Enjoy!
Whether for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or a healthy appetizer at your next gathering, air fryer buffalo cauliflower is sure to impress. Serve them hot and watch them disappear in a flash!
Storage Instructions
Storing Leftovers
While buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed straight out of the air fryer, you can store leftovers if needed. Transfer cooled florets into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 to 3 days . Keep in mind they may lose some of their crispiness over time.
Reheating Tips
To bring back some of that crispy texture, reheat the cauliflower in your air fryer for about 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F . This will help crisp them back up without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Congrats, you’ve just mastered the art of air fryer buffalo cauliflower! By following these simple steps, you’ll have a crave-worthy dish that’s healthier than traditional fried wings but just as tasty. Their perfect blend of crispiness and spice makes them a hit for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter version of buffalo wings.
Feel free to customize the level of heat or crunch to your preference, and experiment with different dipping sauces or sides. Once you’ve tried these crunchy bites, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Now, grab your plate, pour some dipping sauce, and enjoy the spicy, crispy deliciousness that is air fryer buffalo cauliflower!