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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers perfectly crispy and spicy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and tossed with tangy buffalo sauce. A healthier and delicious alternative to traditional buffalo wings, this dish is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or party food, especially suitable for vegans and those seeking a gluten-friendly option without deep frying.

Ingredients

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

Vegetables

  • 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets

Sauces

  • Buffalo Sauce, for brushing
  • Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (approximately 200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the cauliflower.
  2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt until well combined. Gradually add the water while whisking to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, stirring gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the batter mixture.
  4. Prepare for Air Frying: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, lift the coated cauliflower florets out of the batter and allow any excess batter to drip back into the bowl. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each to ensure even cooking. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
  5. First Air Frying: Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 9 minutes to start the cooking process and let the batter set and crisp up.
  6. Flip and Sauce: Carefully remove the basket, use a spatula to flip each cauliflower floret, then brush the top side generously with buffalo sauce.
  7. Second Air Frying: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown, crisp around the edges, and fully cooked through.
  8. Final Touch and Serve: Once done, remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and brush with more buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately with optional vegan ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispy cauliflower, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; air should circulate freely around each floret.
  • You can adjust the buffalo sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Use vegan or dairy-free buffalo sauce to keep the dish fully vegan.
  • If you don’t have vegan ranch, celery sticks make a great side for balancing the spice.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

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