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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers a crispy, spicy, and satisfying snack that’s guilt-free and quick to prepare. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful batter, crisped perfectly in the air fryer, then tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized florets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or oil (such as avocado or canola oil spray)

Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter/olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water or plant-based milk, stirring until you create a smooth, slightly thick batter that will coat the cauliflower well.
  2. Coat the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated. Shake off any excess batter to avoid sogginess, then roll each floret in panko breadcrumbs to add a crunchy layer.
  3. Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray them with cooking oil. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cook time for even crisping.
  4. Coat with Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, melt the butter and mix it with the hot sauce to make the buffalo sauce. Once the cauliflower is crispy and cooked through, toss the florets evenly in the buffalo sauce until fully coated and ready to serve.

Notes

  • Make sure each cauliflower floret is evenly coated in batter and panko for consistent crispness.
  • Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air circulation.
  • Shake or flip the florets halfway through cooking to ensure uniform color and prevent sogginess.
  • Use a high smoke point oil spray like avocado or canola oil to crisp the cauliflower without burning.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce in the buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper to the batter.
  • Leftover cauliflower can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
  • For a vegan version, use vegan butter or olive oil in the buffalo sauce and plant-based milk for the batter.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, healthy appetizers, spicy snacks, gluten free snack, vegetarian, vegan option

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/air-fryer-buffalo-cauliflower/