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

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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.

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Questions

What temperature does Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower cook at?

For Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, the air fryer is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 12 minutes, in step 8. Air fryers run hot or cool by model, so check two minutes early the first time.

What should Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 10: cook until each piece is coated. Step 11: cook until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.

What can I use instead of maple syrup in Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

The entry for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower calls for 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option). In its place: Honey, measure for measure, or brown sugar dissolved in a little warm water.

Is Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower comes from 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce. For a milder plate, start with half the hot sauce and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower 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 many carbs are in Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 12 g of carbohydrate in about 145 calories, with 4 g protein and 6 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 380 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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