Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Air fryer buffalo cauliflower comes out crispy on the edges, tender inside, and coated in bold buffalo sauce. It is an easy appetizer, snack, or party recipe with big flavor and less mess than deep frying.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14–16 minutes
Total Time: 25–26 minutes
Servings: 4
Temperature: 400°F
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
Optional for serving: ranch or blue cheese dip
Optional garnish: chopped green onion or parsley
Directions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add the cauliflower florets and toss until evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing them in the basket.
4. Arrange the florets in a single layer and air fry for 8 minutes.
5. Shake the basket or flip the florets, then cook for another 6–8 minutes until the cauliflower is crisp and deeply golden on the edges.
6. In a separate bowl, stir together the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the hot cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Return the coated cauliflower to the air fryer for 1–2 more minutes to set the sauce, then serve immediately with dip if desired.
Notes / Tips
Pat the cauliflower dry before coating so the batter sticks better.
Do not overcrowd the basket or the cauliflower will steam instead of crisp.
For the best texture, sauce the cauliflower after it is crisp, then air fry it for 1–2 extra minutes.
Variations
For a milder version, use half buffalo sauce and half melted butter.
For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Looking for even more air fryer ideas?
Browse my Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners on Amazon for more simple recipes, helpful tips, and everyday favorites.
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