Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers crispy, spicy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and buffalo sauce, perfect as a vegan appetizer or snack. Cooked to perfection in an air fryer, it offers a healthier twist on traditional buffalo wings, with a crunchy texture and bold taste.
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
Main
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, broken into large florets)
- Buffalo Sauce (for brushing)
- Vegan Ranch (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the cauliflower and batter.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Add the water and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Arrange in air fryer basket: Lift the cauliflower from the batter allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to avoid crowding. Work in batches if necessary.
- First air fry session: Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 9 minutes to begin crisping the coating.
- Flip and apply buffalo sauce: Remove the basket, carefully flip each floret using a spatula, and brush buffalo sauce evenly over the cauliflower.
- Second air fry session: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is darkened and crisp around the edges.
- Final touch and serve: Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with additional buffalo sauce as desired, and serve hot. Optionally serve with vegan ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- The exact cooking time in the second air fry session may vary depending on your air fryer model; check for desired crispness after 5 minutes.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter or buffalo sauce.
- Use vegan buffalo sauce and ranch for a fully vegan dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
