Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

© Original recipe by The Daily Dishboard ©

🔥 Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – The Ultimate Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Snack! 🌶️🥦

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a spicy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned snack that hits all the right notes, then Buffalo Cauliflower is your new best friend. This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a crunchy, flavorful delight—ideal for vegetarians or anyone looking to lighten up their snack game. The magic happens in the air fryer, where cauliflower florets get a beautifully crispy coating while remaining tender inside. Once coated in spicy buffalo sauce, it’s an irresistible vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower experience you won’t want to miss.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for quick snacks or dinner sides.
• Healthy and crispy — baked to perfection without excess oil.
• Versatile — serve as an appetizer, healthy snack, or even a vegetarian main dish.
• Simple ingredients— just a few pantry staples for maximum flavor.

3. Ingredient Notes

For this vegetarian Buffalo cauliflower recipe, quality ingredients elevate the dish. Fresh cauliflower florets should be firm and bright white, ensuring a nice texture once cooked. When choosing hot sauce, opt for a reputable brand like Frank’s RedHot for authentic flavor and manageable heat. To help the cauliflower crisp up, I recommend using baking powder in the batter—it creates a light, crispy coating. For the spicy coating, a blend of buffalo sauce and a touch of melted butter or olive oil brings richness.

Using high-quality olive oil in the batter and a good-quality hot sauce can truly make a difference in the taste profile. If you want a milder version, swap the hot sauce for sriracha or a milder buffalo sauce. For a vegan option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or oil.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics — This versatile air fryer is perfect for crispy snacks like Buffalo Cauliflower, providing quick, even cooking with less oil and mess. Its easy-to-use controls make the perfect crispy cauliflower every time.
• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ideal for preparing your batter with nonstick convenience, ensuring your cauliflower doesn’t stick or break during prep.

5. How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Preparation of Cauliflower

Start by washing and cutting a head of fresh cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Pat them dry thoroughly—moisture is the enemy of crispiness. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to create a smooth batter. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring each piece is well coated. The batter should be slightly thick but flow easily—think pancake batter consistency.

Once coated, arrange the florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crunch. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the coating is golden and crispy, and the cauliflower is tender inside.

Applying Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your buffalo sauce. Mix 1/2 cup of hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil. For added flavor, you can toss in a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of garlic powder. Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer it to a large bowl, pour over the buffalo sauce, and toss to evenly coat every piece. For an extra crunch, you can re-air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes after tossing in the sauce.

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Dry your cauliflower thoroughly before battering; excess moisture hampers crispiness.
• Use a light coating of spray oil before air frying to enhance texture and color.
• Batch cook if needed— overcrowding the air fryer basket reduces crispiness.
• Adjust hot sauce to taste— start with less and add more for your preferred heat level.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you want to customize your Buffalo Cauliflower:

• Try switching up the hot sauce with sriracha or a mild wing sauce for different heat levels.
• For a vegan variation, use plant-based margarine instead of butter.
• Add a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Serve with a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

8. Storage & Reheating

Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop the cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for crispy results. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.

9. FAQ

Can I make Buffalo Cauliflower in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

How spicy is Buffalo Cauliflower?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce used. Frank’s RedHot offers a mild to hot range. Adjust by adding more or less hot sauce for your preferred spice level.

Is Buffalo Cauliflower gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free flour like rice flour or almond flour. Just check your ingredients to ensure everything suits your dietary needs.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes! Just scale the ingredients and cook in batches if needed. The air fryer works best when not overcrowded to ensure maximum crispiness.

10. Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy a Crispy Cauliflower Snack with ample spice and crunch. The Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is perfect for vegetarians, snack lovers, or anyone looking to indulge guilt-free. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, you’ll be serving up this flavorful treat in no time. Give it a try, and enjoy that irresistible crunch and fiery kick with every bite!

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