Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe For Quick Snacks

Enjoy the bold flavors of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, your new go-to for a crunchy and spicy snack that's a breeze to make and perfect for sharing.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

It's saucy, crispy, and the perfect vegetarian snack or side dish for any gathering. This recipe transforms a head of cauliflower into spicy, savory bites that are ready in under 30 minutes. Coated with a mixture of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and butter for that unmistakable Buffalo flavor, then tossed with flour, cornstarch, and spices before getting air-fried to perfection. Serve these mouthwatering cauliflower bites with a side of homemade blue cheese dressing for an irresistible combination.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs 1 large head of cauliflower core removed & cut into florets
• 2 tablespoon butter melted
• ½ cup red hot sauce like Frank’s
• ¼ cup white or whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or regular
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Cooking spray I use Misto
• Yogurt blue cheese dressing optional

Instructions

• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set to 400 degrees F.
• Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into florets. Pat dry if needed and place in a large mixing bowl.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

• In a small bowl, melt some butter and mix it with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce.
• Pour this mixture over the cauliflower florets using tongs to ensure even coating.

Coat the Cauliflower

• In another small bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
• Gradually sprinkle this dry mix over the cauliflower, tossing with tongs to coat evenly.
• Repeat until all the mixture is used.

Air Fry

• Generously spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
• Place the coated cauliflower florets in the basket in a single layer, ensuring space between them for even cooking.
• Air fry for 12 minutes.
• Prepare the Dip: While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your choice of dip, such as the blue cheese dressing.

Creamy Dips to Pair

• Blue cheese dressing: Combine yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
• Healthy veggie dip: Mix yogurt with garlic powder and dill.
• Ranch dressing: Opt for a healthy homemade version or a clean store-bought one.

Serving Suggestions

• As an Appetizer
• In Tacos
• On Salad
• As a Side

Tips & Tricks

• When adding the buffalo sauce and the dry mixture make sure to toss the florets thoroughly using tongs. This ensures each floret is evenly coated, leading to better flavor and texture after cooking.
• Lay the florets in a single layer with space between them in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture. If you need to reheat, using the air fryer will help maintain the crispiness better than a microwave.
• If serving in tacos or on a salad, add fresh toppings like cilantro, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes to complement the spicy buffalo flavor.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, a spicy, crunchy treat that's perfect for game days or any snack time!