Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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.
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
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1
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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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.
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3
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk) to create a smooth batter with the consistency of pancake batter.
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4
Add 1 head cut into florets cauliflower head to the bowl and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
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5
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with as needed cooking spray.
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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.
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7
Lightly spray the tops of the cauliflower with cooking spray.
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8
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden.
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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.
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10
When the cauliflower is done, place it in the bowl with the buffalo sauce and gently toss until each piece is coated.
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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.
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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.