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- Large head of cauliflower - All-purpose flour - Hot sauce - Plant-based milk - Honey or maple syrup - Fresh parsley for garnish - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Paprika - Salt - Unsalted butter When I create a snack like Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, I focus on fresh ingredients. The main star is the large head of cauliflower. This vegetable gives a nice crunch and absorbs flavors well. Next, I use all-purpose flour to make a batter. This helps the cauliflower get crispy in the air fryer. Hot sauce adds that spicy kick we all love. Frank’s RedHot is my go-to, but feel free to pick your favorite. You might want to try some optional ingredients too. Plant-based milk can make the batter creamier. Honey or maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that balances the heat. Fresh parsley makes for a pretty garnish and adds a pop of color. For seasoning, I never skip garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. These spices bring out the best in the cauliflower. Unsalted butter, melted, gives the sauce a smooth finish. It’s a simple mix of flavors that works well together. Overall, the right ingredients make this snack both tasty and fun to make! Start by cutting the large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the florets in a bowl. Next, it's time to prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Now, gradually pour in 1 cup of water or plant-based milk, whisking until you have a smooth batter. The batter should feel like pancake batter. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the cauliflower cooks evenly and gets crispy. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter. Make sure to coat each piece well. After coating, shake off any extra batter. Arrange the battered cauliflower in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the cauliflower for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and become golden brown. While the cauliflower cooks, mix 1 cup of hot sauce, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup in a large bowl. Adjust the hot sauce for your spice level. Once the cauliflower is ready, move them to the bowl with the hot sauce mixture. Toss them gently to coat each floret evenly. If you want extra crispiness, you can air fry the coated cauliflower for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty snack! To get that perfect crunch, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you pack the cauliflower in too tightly, it will steam instead of crisp up. Cook in batches if needed. Aim for a cooking time of 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for a golden brown color for the best crispiness. The right batter texture is key to a great result. You want it thick enough to cling to the cauliflower but not too thick. It should feel like pancake batter. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure the consistency stays the same. Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with dips like ranch or blue cheese. These creamy dips balance the heat from the hot sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggies. You can also turn this snack into a main dish by adding it to tacos or wraps. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower easily. Adding spices can bring new life to the dish. Try cumin for a warm flavor or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Each spice adds a unique twist. If you want to switch up the sauce, consider options like teriyaki or BBQ sauce. These sauces give a sweet and tangy taste. Each sauce can change the whole vibe of your snack. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite flavor. This recipe can fit many diets. For those needing gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well for this dish and keep it tasty. If you're vegan, you can make easy changes. Use plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Replace butter with vegan butter and skip the honey for maple syrup. This keeps the flavor strong while fitting your diet. Buffalo cauliflower is fun to serve in many ways. You can make tacos by placing the cauliflower in a warm tortilla. Add some fresh veggies to make it exciting. This dish also shines as an appetizer or snack. Serve it with a cool dip like ranch or blue cheese. The spicy cauliflower pairs well with these creamy dips. No matter how you serve it, it brings joy to any table. To keep your buffalo cauliflower fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This helps keep the flavors locked in. Make sure the cauliflower is cool before sealing the container. It can last in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cauliflower in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps it crispy. If you use a microwave, it may get soggy. Heat it in short bursts, but know the texture won’t be the same. To freeze your buffalo cauliflower, let it cool completely. Spread the florets on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. For reheating, let the cauliflower thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just thaw and drain it first. Frozen florets may be softer than fresh ones. This can affect the crunchiness, but the flavor remains great. Keep an eye on the cooking time. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they cook through. The spice level depends on the hot sauce you use. Frank's RedHot gives a nice kick without being overwhelming. If you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of hot sauce. You can also mix in honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This balance can help tone down the heat for those who are sensitive to spice. Yes, you can prep ahead! Cut the cauliflower and make the batter a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Toss the florets in the batter just before air frying for the best texture. If you coat them too early, they may get soggy. Enjoy this tasty snack fresh for the best flavor! In this article, I covered how to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. We discussed main ingredients, like cauliflower, flour, and hot sauce. I shared tips for achieving that perfect crispy texture and how to customize flavors. You learned options for dietary needs and ways to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoying this dish is simple and fun. You can make delicious meals with just a few steps. Experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Indulge in the delicious crunch of air fryer buffalo cauliflower with this easy recipe! Perfectly battered and tossed in spicy sauce, these bites are both healthy and satisfying. Discover how simple ingredients like cauliflower, flour, and hot sauce can create a mouthwatering snack or appetizer. Ready to spice up your meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a crispy, guilt-free treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup water (or plant-based milk for extra creaminess)

1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness, optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Mix well.

      Gradually pour in the water (or plant-based milk), whisking until you have a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.

        Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure to coat it well, and then shake off any excess.

          Place the battered cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Air fry the cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until they are golden brown and crispy.

              While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup in a large bowl. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.

                Once the cauliflower is done, transfer them to the bowl with the hot sauce mixture and toss to coat all the florets evenly.

                  To serve, you can air fry the coated cauliflower for an additional 3 minutes to crisp them up further, if desired.

                    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4