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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites made in the air fryer - a healthy, plant-based alternative to traditional wings with all the flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 125
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
  • 0.75 cup water or unsweetened plant milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cooking spray or oil
For the Buffalo Sauce
  • 0.5 cup hot sauce like Frank's RedHot
  • 3 tbsp butter or vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
For Serving
  • celery sticks
  • ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • fresh chives chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry cauliflower florets with paper towels. Let air dry for 5 minutes for maximum crispiness.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start.
  3. In large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Add cauliflower florets to batter and toss gently until evenly coated. Let excess batter drip off.
  5. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place coated cauliflower in single layer, working in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy outside, tender inside.
  7. While cauliflower cooks, melt butter in small saucepan. Whisk in hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne until smooth.
  8. Remove hot cauliflower from air fryer and immediately toss with buffalo sauce in large bowl until evenly coated.
  9. Return sauced cauliflower to air fryer for 2-3 minutes to set sauce and restore crispiness.
  10. Check that cauliflower is crispy outside, tender inside, with sauce well-adhered but not soggy.
  11. Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with fresh chives, serve immediately with celery and dipping sauce.
  12. Serve within 10-15 minutes for best texture while coating is crispy and cauliflower is hot.

Notes

For best results, ensure cauliflower is completely dry before coating. Don't overcrowd air fryer basket. Adjust hot sauce amount to taste preference. Can be made vegan with plant-based butter.