Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: Enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo wings without the added calories and fat from deep frying.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.

• Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course alternative.

• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by modifying the buffalo sauce.

• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners, satisfying both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for a richer flavor)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the quantities to achieve your desired level of heat and sweetness.

5. Toss and Serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Ensure your buffalo sauce and any added ingredients are gluten-free.

• Vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and confirm that the buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.

• Extra Crispy: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the seasoning mix for an extra crispy texture.

• Different Sauces: Try using BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a garlic parmesan sauce for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cauliflower soggy.

FAQs

What is buffalo cauliflower?

Buffalo cauliflower is a vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings, where cauliflower florets are seasoned, cooked until crispy, and tossed in buffalo sauce.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, but ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.

How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the seasoning mix can enhance crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based butter and ensuring the buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.

What dipping sauces pair well with buffalo cauliflower?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a vegan alternative complement the spicy flavor well.

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

How do I adjust the spiciness?

Modify the amount of buffalo sauce or add honey to balance the heat to your preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the cauliflower and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving.

What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.

Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?

Cauliflower is low in carbs, but ensure the buffalo sauce and any added ingredients align with keto guidelines.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings, offering the same bold flavors with less guilt. Quick to prepare and versatile, it's perfect for various occasions, from casual snacks to party appetizers. Customize the heat level, pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a dish that's sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Print

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a healthier, crispy, and spicy vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or game day treat, it’s made in the air fryer with minimal oil and customizable heat. Enjoy the bold buffalo flavor with less guilt.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Season Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook: Place seasoned cauliflower in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter and honey (if using).

5. Toss and Serve: Once cauliflower is crispy and golden, toss with buffalo sauce. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to seasoning for extra crispiness.

• To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter and check that your buffalo sauce is vegan.

• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

• Can be baked instead at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.

• Perfect with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.