Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a delicious, spicy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bite-sized florets are perfect for a snack or appetizer. They’re easy to make using an air fryer and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
3. Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, coating each piece fully. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
4. Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
6. Step 6: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese and some celery sticks.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the coated cauliflower rest for 5 minutes before air frying to allow the batter to set.
• Try using gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
• Serve with carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the buffalo cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil. Also, check that your buffalo sauce is free of animal products.

Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

This Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious, crispy, and spicy vegetarian alternative to classic buffalo wings. Coated in a seasoned batter and air fried to golden perfection, these cauliflower bites are tossed in a buttery buffalo sauce for an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets

Batter

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Buffalo Sauce

• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted

Other

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth, thick yet pourable batter that will properly coat the cauliflower.
3. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir until each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing the florets into the air fryer.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crisping, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce with melted unsalted butter in a small bowl to add richness and balance the spice.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: When the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the florets and toss gently but thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately for the best crispy texture, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese and crisp celery sticks for a refreshing contrast.

Notes

• For homemade buffalo sauce, combine hot sauce and melted butter in a ratio of about 3:1 for an authentic tangy flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure cauliflower crisps up evenly.
• Shake or turn the cauliflower halfway through cooking for uniform browning and crispiness.
• Use gluten-free flour if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
• This recipe works beautifully as a party appetizer or a healthy snack alternative.

Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower, vegetarian buffalo wings, spicy cauliflower bites, healthy appetizer