This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a tasty twist on wings! You’ll love the crunchy bits coated in spicy buffalo sauce. It’s perfect for snacks or appetizers!
Honestly, who knew veggies could be so fun? I can’t stop munching on these as a game-day treat. Plus, they’re easy to make—you just toss, air fry, and enjoy! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower gives the best texture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower florets, but make sure to thaw and dry them first for crispiness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is used for the batter’s base. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love panko for that extra crunch! If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will work, but may not be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes can give a fun crunch too.
Hot Sauce: I recommend Frank’s RedHot for a classic buffalo flavor. For a milder option, use a less spicy sauce or even barbecue sauce if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How Do I Get My Cauliflower Extra Crispy?
The secret to achieving that awesome crunch lies in the batter and baking technique. Here are some tips to help you.
- Use cold water in your batter to create a crispier coating.
- Make sure you coat each floret thoroughly, allowing the excess batter to drip off before rolling in breadcrumbs.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this helps the hot air circulate more evenly.
- Spraying the florets with cooking spray before frying creates a lovely golden finish.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and roughly 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and tasty dish perfect for snacking or sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cauliflower gets crispy right away when you place it inside!
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until everything is smooth. This will be the delicious batter that coats your cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure to let any excess batter drip off. This helps keep it from getting too soggy!
4. Add the Crunch:
After dipping in the batter, roll each coated floret in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they are completely covered for that extra crunch!
5. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Place the battered florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up nicely. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While your cauliflower is cooking, melt the butter and mix it with hot sauce in a bowl. This will give your baked cauliflower that classic buffalo flavor!
7. Toss in Saucy Goodness:
Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, take it out of the air fryer and gently toss the florets in the buffalo sauce until they are nicely coated.
8. Final Crisp-Up:
Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help set the sauce and make them even crispier.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, serve your crispy buffalo cauliflower immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, along with some crunchy celery sticks. Enjoy this tasty treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sauce?
Absolutely! While buffalo sauce provides a fantastic flavor, you can swap it out for BBQ sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce for a different twist. Just adjust the amount to your taste preference!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) instead of water in the batter and substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Most hot sauces are naturally vegan, but always check the label just in case!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy this crunchy dish without gluten!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture before serving again.
