Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Lightly spicy, crispy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this easy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is perfect for game nights, weeknight dinners, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Veggies
- 1 medium head cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
Batter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water
Sauce
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Extras
- to taste Cooking spray For air frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth; the batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
Coating and Cooking
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated; shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place battered florets in a single layer without overcrowding and air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Finishing Touches
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over the pieces, and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks on the side for a classic presentation.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the basket for even crispiness and adjust the buffalo sauce to taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and re-crisp in the air fryer.