Get Your Crunch On: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower That’ll Blow Your Mind

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into 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; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); Cooking spray

Okay, so have you ever craved something crunchy and spicy but felt like you needed to stay on the healthier side? Like, let’s be real—buffalo wings are a classic, but sometimes you just want something veggie. Enter: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower! It’s the perfect blend of spicy, crispy, and totally satisfying. Seriously, you won’t even miss the chicken.

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, so here’s the lowdown on the goodies you need for this heavenly dish. First, grab a medium head of cauliflower—try to pick one that looks nice and fresh, ‘cause nobody wants sad cauliflower. You’ll also need some all-purpose flour (just half a cup, easy peasy).

Now, water’s on the list too—about half a cup, but more on that later. Don’t forget the spices! You’ll need garlic powder, onion powder (just a half teaspoon each), a pinch of smoked paprika (it adds that smoky vibe), and some salt and pepper to taste. And the star of the show? Buffalo sauce! Seriously, you can go store-bought or make your own—whatever floats your boat. A lil’ melted butter helps to marry the flavors together, too. Oh, and a cooking spray for the air fryer—trust me, you want that crunch.

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, picture this: last Friday night, I was craving some snacky food while binge-watching a new show (you know how it goes) and I was totally *not* in the mood to hit the takeout. So, I thought, “Hey! Why not whip up some buffalo cauliflower?” I remember the first time I tried it—my friend made it for a party, and I was like, “Wait, this is a vegetable?” I swear, I polished off half the bowl. It’s become a staple in my house ever since. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up when friends come over or I just wanna treat myself.

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, listen closely: the key to getting that perfect crispy texture is in the batter. You want it thick enough to cling onto the cauliflower but not so thick that it just turns into a blob (we want nice, crispy bites, not batter bombs, y’know?). So whisk it up good, and if it feels too thick, just add a splash more water. It’s like finding that sweet spot in life—balance is everything!

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Seriously, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. I’ve learned this the hard way, folks. If you pile everything in there, you’ll end up with sad, soggy cauliflower—yuck! So, in batches if you have to.

2. Keep an eye on the time, but also trust your gut! The recipe says 12-15 minutes, but I usually check at the 10-minute mark, because who likes burnt veggies? No one.

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

3. Lastly, when tossing those florets in buffalo sauce, don’t be shy! Coat them well—nobody likes a bland bite!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

Alright, so if, and I mean *if*, you have leftovers (which is rare), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. But—pro tip—reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get that crunch back. Don’t use the microwave, like, ever. It’s a crime against crispy food.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

Okay, if you’re vibing with this recipe, you should totally try my spicy chickpea tacos—talk about a flavor bomb! Or maybe whip up some zucchini fries for a fun twist on your usual snacks. Also, buffalo chicken dip is another crowd-pleaser if you want something cheesy and comforting.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to dive into this spicy goodness? Seriously, give it a shot and tell me how it goes! Got any fun twists you like to add? Let’s chat!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings. This dish combines the hearty texture of cauliflower with a spicy buffalo sauce, all achieved in an air fryer for a crispy finish and minimal oil. Perfect as an appetizer or healthy snack, it’s sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into 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
1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Cooking spray

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Instructions

Cut cauliflower into uniform bite-sized florets.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Coat each cauliflower floret in the batter and shake off excess.
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket. Arrange battered florets in a single layer.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
Toss cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately.