Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower head, cut into florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk); 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), melted; 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); as needed cooking spray; 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (for serving); 4 celery sticks (for serving); 4 carrot sticks (for serving)

Crispy cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce, air-fried to perfection for a healthier alternative to buffalo wings. This vegetarian crowd-pleaser delivers all the bold, tangy flavor with a fraction of the calories.

25 minEasyServes 4145 cal/serving

AmericanAppetizerAir FryerVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower head, cut into florets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), melted
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
as needed cooking spray
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (for serving)
4 celery sticks (for serving)
4 carrot sticks (for serving)

Instructions

1

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2

In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
3

Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk) to create a smooth batter with the consistency of pancake batter.
4

Add 1 head cut into florets cauliflower head to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
5

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with as needed cooking spray.
6

Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces don't touch. You will likely need to cook in batches.
7

Lightly spray the tops of the cauliflower with cooking spray.
8

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden.
9

While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce by mixing 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (or plant-based butter), and 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option) in a medium bowl.
10

When the cauliflower is done, place it in the bowl with the buffalo sauce and gently toss until each piece is coated.
11

Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
12

Serve immediately with 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (for serving), 4 celery sticks (for serving), and 4 carrot sticks (for serving) on the side.

Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (for serving). Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer at 350 F for three to four minutes; the microwave softens the coating.

Can I halve or double Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, air-fry in batches; a crowded basket steams instead of crisping.

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