Use Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe crispy, saucy, and seriously snackable

This air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe turns humble florets into a crunchy, spicy snack that disappears fast. It’s simple enough for weeknight cravings and bold enough for game day gatherings. If you love crunchy bites with punchy sauce, it pairs beautifully with other air fryer favorites like this honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe from Cookaza. The batter creates a golden shell while the buffalo coating keeps every piece saucy and irresistible.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is perfect when you want big flavor with minimal effort. The batter is light yet sturdy so the cauliflower roasts crisp without becoming soggy under the sauce. Air frying concentrates the texture so each floret has a crunchy exterior and tender inside, making it a satisfying plant forward alternative to fried wings. It’s also easy to scale for a couple or a crowd and plays well with sides and dips. For a slightly different take on buffalo cauliflower, you can also explore these crispy buffalo cauliflower bites for more ideas and variations.

Flavor and Texture

Expect a bright vinegar forward buffalo kick balanced by a touch of melted butter for roundness. The smoked paprika brings a whisper of warmth while garlic and onion powder add savory depth to the batter. The outer crust crisps in the air fryer then picks up the sauce for a sticky, finger licking finish. Inside, the cauliflower stays tender but not mushy, offering a satisfying contrast in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
• Cooking spray

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Make the Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth; the batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
3. Coat the Cauliflower Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated, and shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Arrange the florets Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded; you may need to cook in batches.
6. Cook the florets Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
7. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
8. Toss the Cauliflower Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower, and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
9. Serve Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.

Tips for Best Results

Use florets that are similar in size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time. Shake off excess batter before air frying to avoid big clumps and ensure a crisp exterior. If you want extra crunch, return sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes on a low setting to set the sauce without burning it. Experiment with sauce heat by mixing in a little honey for sweetness or more hot sauce for extra fire. Serve right away for the crispiest texture, as sitting will soften the coating.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh the crispiness rather than using a microwave. You can prepare the batter and cut the florets a day ahead and keep them refrigerated separately, then batter and cook when ready. Keep sauce separate if you plan to store; toss just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Final Thought

This air fryer buffalo cauliflower makes a bold, colorful appetizer or a fun main for lighter meals. It’s an easy way to get crunch and heat without deep frying and a crowd pleaser at casual gatherings. With a quick batter and a saucy toss, you’ll have a flavorful dish in under an hour.

Conclusion

For another take on air fryer buffalo cauliflower, check the original inspiration at Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe – Love and Lemons.

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