Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: A Spicy, Crispy Treat

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for game day or as an appetizer. It is a vegan-friendly alternative to traditional buffalo wings, with a crispy texture and spicy kick. The recipe typically involves coating bite-sized cauliflower florets in a batter or breading made from flour, spices, and milk, before air frying them to crispy perfection. The crispy florets are then tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce and served with a creamy dip, such as vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing. This recipe is a fun and tasty way to enjoy your vegetables and can be made in under 20 minutes!

Choosing the right buffalo sauce

The right buffalo sauce can make or break your air fryer buffalo cauliflower. The variety of hot sauces available is endless, with new options appearing on grocery store shelves every week. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you choose the perfect buffalo sauce for your dish:

Experiment with Different Sauces

Don't be afraid to experiment with different hot sauces to find the one that suits your taste preferences. You can try sauces like Cholula or Valentina if you want to explore different options. These sauces will add a unique twist to your dish and make it stand out from the classic buffalo flavour.

Classic Buffalo Sauce

If you're looking for that classic, bar-style buffalo flavour, then Frank's RedHot sauce is the way to go. It's a popular choice and is known for delivering that authentic, traditional buffalo taste. This sauce is thicker than most and has a comfortably spicy flavour, making it a great option for those who want a true buffalo experience.

Spiciness Level

When choosing a buffalo sauce, consider your preferred level of spiciness. If you like it hot, go for a sauce that's known for its kick, like Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce or a classic hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can mix in some honey or agave to balance out the spice. This will give your cauliflower a sweet and savoury twist.

Consistency

Pay attention to the consistency of the buffalo sauce you choose. Some brands tend to be very thin and watery, which can affect the overall recipe. A thicker sauce, like Frank's Buffalo Sauce, will coat your cauliflower more effectively and create a better texture. Look for sauces that are known for their robust, bold flavours and avoid those that seem overly watery.

Vegan Options

If you're catering to vegan dietary restrictions, ensure that the buffalo sauce you choose is vegan-friendly. Some sauces may contain animal-derived ingredients, so it's important to read the labels carefully. You can also make your own vegan buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce, melted vegan butter, garlic powder, paprika, and agave or honey.

Gluten-Free Considerations

If you or your guests have gluten intolerance, be mindful of the sauce's gluten content. Some buffalo sauces may contain gluten, so opt for gluten-free alternatives to ensure everyone can enjoy your air fryer buffalo cauliflower.

Preparing the cauliflower

Firstly, you'll need to cut the cauliflower into florets. The size of the florets can vary depending on your preference, but they should be bite-sized or large. Remove the leaves and the tough core of the cauliflower before cutting it into florets. You can use a whole head of cauliflower or just half, depending on the serving size you require.

Once you have your florets, it's time to make the batter or coating. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch (for extra crispiness), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in wet ingredients like water, milk, or melted butter to create a batter. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture. If you prefer a breaded coating, you can use panko breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of the flour mixture.

Now it's time to coat the cauliflower. Dip each floret into the batter, making sure it's completely covered. Alternatively, you can place the florets in a large bowl with the batter and toss them until they're well coated. If using a dry coating, you can put the florets in a resealable bag with the coating and shake it until they're evenly coated.

After coating the cauliflower, it's important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each floret to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Once your cauliflower florets are prepared and placed in the air fryer, you're ready to start cooking!

Making the batter

Next, you'll want to add your liquid ingredients to the dry mix. Water is the most common liquid used, but you can also use milk or even beer for a unique twist. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter. If you're making a larger batch, you may need to add more liquid to ensure all the dry ingredients are incorporated.

The batter is what gives the cauliflower its crispy, "fried" texture, so make sure to coat each floret generously. You can use a slotted spoon or your hands to lift the cauliflower out of the batter, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. It's important to ensure the batter gets into every nook and cranny of the florets for an even coating.

Once the cauliflower is battered, you're ready to place it in the air fryer. Arrange the florets in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Cooking method

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make the florets a similar size so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth. You can also add olive oil to help the seasonings stick.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter until they are completely coated. Make sure to get the batter into every nook and cranny for the best results.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space around each floret. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the cauliflower to steam instead of getting crispy. Cook at 400°F for 9-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispness.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, make the buffalo sauce by combining melted butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, and honey (optional). You can also add in some blue cheese or ranch dressing for a creamier sauce.

Step 6: Toss in Sauce

Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the air fryer and toss it in the buffalo sauce. Make sure each floret is well coated.

Step 7: Air Fry Again

Place the sauced cauliflower back into the air fryer in a single layer and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately for the best texture and taste. It pairs well with a creamy dipping sauce, such as vegan ranch, and celery or carrot sticks on the side.

Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it a perfect option for game days, parties, or as a snack. Here are some ideas for serving this tasty treat:

As an Appetizer or Snack

Serve the crispy buffalo cauliflower florets as you would traditional chicken wings, with celery and carrot sticks on the side, and a creamy dip. For a vegan option, choose a vegan ranch dressing or avocado ranch dressing. For a non-vegan option, go for a blue cheese dip, such as Bolthouse Farms' chunky blue cheese dressing.

In a Wrap or Taco

Add some crunch to your lunch wrap or taco by including these buffalo cauliflower bites. For a wrap, add lettuce, any extra veggies of your choice, and your favourite dressing—ranch or blue cheese. For a taco, grab some tortillas, add shredded lettuce, avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

As a Side Dish

These cauliflower bites make a great veggie side dish to accompany a variety of mains. Try them with a vegetarian chilli or a black bean soup.

On a Salad

Add some spice to your salad by including these buffalo cauliflower bites. They go well with lettuce leaves or zucchini noodles. For a more substantial meal, try them on a bed of rice, shredded cabbage, creamy avocado, and a green tahini dressing.

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To get that crispy texture back, pop them into the air fryer for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions