Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, spicy snack that’s both healthy and easy to make. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, it’s perfect as an appetizer or a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Toss cauliflower florets with melted butter and hot sauce. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using.
3. Step 3: Place florets in the air fryer basket and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Step 4: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly spray cauliflower with cooking oil before air frying.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
• Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor twist.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake buffalo cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

You can make it vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and choosing vegan-friendly hot sauce and dressing.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

A spicy and crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe that delivers all the zesty flavor of traditional buffalo wings in a healthy, vegetarian alternative. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, this recipe features tender cauliflower florets tossed in a flavorful buffalo sauce and air fried to golden perfection for a crunchy bite.

• Author: Mia
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Optional:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Toss Cauliflower with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with melted butter and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly so each floret is evenly coated. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the florets and gently toss to add extra crunch.
3. Air Fry: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the florets halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness.
4. Serve: Once the cauliflower is crispy and slightly browned, remove from the air fryer. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and butter to suit your preferred spice level.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure the cauliflower crisps up nicely.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Keywords: Buffalo cauliflower, air fryer recipe, vegetarian appetizer, spicy snack, healthy buffalo wings alternative