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- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 cup water or non-dairy milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving) You need fresh cauliflower for this dish. The florets must be bite-sized. This keeps them crunchy. You can pick regular flour or gluten-free flour for the batter. Both work well. The garlic powder gives a nice flavor, and the paprika adds a hint of warmth. Salt brings out all the tastes. Buffalo sauce is the star here. You can buy it or make it at home. Olive oil helps the cauliflower crisp up in the air fryer. Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish. It adds a bright touch. Lastly, pair your dish with crunchy celery and your favorite dressing. Ranch or blue cheese makes a great choice. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by rinsing the cauliflower head under cool water. This step is key to remove dirt. After rinsing, dry it with a clean towel. Next, cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. For the batter, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 cup water or non-dairy milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon salt In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt together. Gradually add the water or non-dairy milk. Mix until it becomes smooth. The batter should coat the cauliflower well. Now, it’s time to coat the florets. Dip each cauliflower piece into the batter. Shake off any extra batter before placing them on a plate. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps to get that crispy texture. When ready, place the battered florets in the air fryer in a single layer. If needed, do this in batches. Lightly mist or brush the florets with olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Next, toss the crispy florets in a large bowl with the buffalo sauce. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Finally, return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the sauce stick and enhance the flavor. To get the best texture for your air fryer buffalo cauliflower, focus on the batter. - Batter consistency: Your batter should be smooth and thick enough to coat the florets well. If it's too thin, add a bit more flour. If it's too thick, add a touch more water or non-dairy milk. - Best practices for air frying: Always air fry in a single layer. This helps each piece cook evenly. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure all sides crisp up nicely. A light mist of olive oil before air frying enhances the crunch, so don't skip this step! To make your buffalo cauliflower burst with flavor, add spices to the batter. - Adding spices to the batter: Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the batter for extra heat. You can also mix in some onion powder or even a dash of cumin for a unique twist. - Suggestions for making homemade buffalo sauce: If you want to make your own sauce, mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter. Add a splash of vinegar for tang. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce. This gives you full control over the flavor and spice! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower will yield better texture and flavor. Look for a head that is firm and has tightly packed florets. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or choose a mild version. You can always add more later! Batch Cooking: If making a larger batch, keep the cooked florets warm in an oven set to low while you finish frying the rest. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add different spices to the batter, such as cumin or cayenne pepper, to create your own unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This change keeps the batter light and crispy. Many brands offer great gluten-free options, so choose one you like best. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This way, everyone can enjoy the spicy goodness. If you want to mix things up, try different sauces. You could use barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. Or a teriyaki sauce for a fun Asian flavor. For a spicy kick, add extra hot sauce to the buffalo sauce. You can also try mixing buffalo sauce with honey for a sweet and spicy combo. These options keep your taste buds excited and make every bite a new adventure! After you enjoy your air fryer buffalo cauliflower, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the cauliflower in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You should eat it within three days for the best flavor. To reheat, I suggest using the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the cauliflower crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the texture softer. If you want to save some buffalo cauliflower for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cauliflower cool completely. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer it to a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you're ready to eat, take the cauliflower out of the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 7-10 minutes. This way, you’ll get that crispy texture back! You should air fry cauliflower for 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time helps the florets turn golden and crispy. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through. This step ensures even cooking and crispiness. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just keep in mind it may need a bit longer to cook. Thaw the cauliflower and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and keeps the dish crisp. Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with a few dips. I recommend serving it with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Also, crunchy celery sticks add a fresh bite. You can also try a side of carrot sticks for extra crunch. This blog post covered all the key steps for making buffalo cauliflower. You learned about the main ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips for perfecting texture and flavor. I also provided gluten-free options and suggestions for different sauces. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers and FAQs to answer your questions. Now, you can enjoy these tasty bites anytime. They are easy to make and fun to share. Dive in and let your taste buds experience something delicious!

Fiery Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

A spicy and crispy cauliflower dish made in the air fryer, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup water or non-dairy milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • to serve celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and dry the cauliflower head, then cut it into bite-sized florets.
  • Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add the water or non-dairy milk, mixing until smooth to form a batter.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shaking off the excess, and place them on a plate.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Air Fry: Place the battered cauliflower florets in the air fryer in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Mist or brush the florets lightly with olive oil. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Toss with Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crispy cauliflower florets with buffalo sauce. Toss well until all florets are evenly coated.
  • Final Air Fry: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to make the sauce stick and develop a deeper flavor.
  • Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
Keyword air fryer, buffalo, cauliflower, spicy, vegetarian