Prepare to transform the humble cauliflower into a mouthwatering, crispy sensation that will make even the most dedicated meat-lovers forget all about traditional buffalo wings! This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is about to revolutionize your snack game, delivering maximum flavor and crunch with minimal effort. Whether you're looking for a game-day appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party bite, or a healthier alternative to classic fried treats, this recipe will have everyone begging for more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into evenly sized florets, ensuring they are roughly bite-sized and similar in shape for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, salt, and pepper until you create a smooth, thin batter with no lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring complete and even coating. Gently shake off excess batter to prevent clumping.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Florets should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer and immediately toss in buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Serve hot with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Ensure your cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if necessary to maintain optimal air circulation.
- Shake the basket midway through cooking to guarantee an even, golden-brown exterior.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the florets by dipping them in batter a second time.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on your spice tolerance - start with less and add more if needed.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce to maintain the perfect crispy texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative.
- Experiment with different hot sauces to customize the heat level and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
