Description
Crispy, spicy, and tangy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a perfect vegan appetizer or snack. Coated in a flavorful batter and smothered in classic buffalo sauce, these cauliflower florets come out perfectly crisp without deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup water
Main Ingredient
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, broken into large florets)
Sauces
- Buffalo Sauce (for brushing)
- Vegan Ranch (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before cooking the cauliflower, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Slowly add the water while whisking to create a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture will coat the cauliflower and provide a crispy outer layer.
- Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir well to coat each piece evenly. Lift the florets out carefully, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl to avoid sogginess.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave space between the pieces to ensure even air circulation and crisping. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- First Air Fry: Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 9 minutes. This step partially cooks the florets and begins to set the batter.
- Flip and Sauce: Remove the basket, carefully flip each floret using a spatula, and brush generously with buffalo sauce. This adds that classic spicy kick and flavor.
- Second Air Fry: Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the florets turn dark golden and crispy around the edges.
- Final Sauce and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the basket and brush with more buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
- Use vegan ranch or regular ranch dressing based on dietary needs.
- For extra crispiness, let the coated cauliflower rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, vegan appetizer, healthy buffalo wings, spicy cauliflower, gluten free buffalo cauliflower
