Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious, spicy, and crispy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day or any occasion. The cauliflower is coated in a tangy hot sauce and a flavorful seasoned batter, then air fried to golden perfection ensuring a healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings.
Ingredients
Scale
Buffalo Sauce Mixture
- 1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 medium head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons olive oil until fully combined, creating a flavorful buffalo sauce base.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the 5 cups of cauliflower florets to the buffalo sauce mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Mix the Batter Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to form a seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat in Batter: Using a slotted spoon or your hands, transfer the buffalo sauce coated cauliflower from the first bowl to the flour mixture, leaving excess sauce behind. Toss gently to ensure the florets are evenly coated with the batter mixture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat, ideally in a 5 1/2-quart or larger model for best results.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. Slight overlapping is acceptable but avoid overcrowding.
- Cook and Toss: Air fry the cauliflower for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until the florets are hot, crispy, and lightly browned on the edges.
Notes
- Make ahead: The cauliflower can be washed, trimmed, and cut into florets up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra crispiness, consider spraying the florets with a little cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste for milder or spicier buffalo flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
