Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a spicy, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Cauliflower florets are tossed in a flavorful blend of spices and hot sauce, then air fried to perfection for a delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cauliflower and Seasonings
- 8 cups cauliflower florets (from 1 medium head of cauliflower)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's), divided
To Serve
- Blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s properly heated for cooking the cauliflower evenly and crisply.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets. Place them in a large mixing bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and half a cup of the hot sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the florets with the spices and sauce.
- Air Fry the Cauliflower: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in an even layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking to ensure even crisping and to prevent sticking.
- Coat with Remaining Sauce: When the cauliflower is cooked to your desired crispness, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining half cup of hot sauce and toss well to coat all the florets evenly with the buffalo sauce.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower warm with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side for dipping and balance of flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the hot sauce quantity to make the cauliflower milder or spicier according to your taste.
- For extra crispness, you can preheat the air fryer before adding the cauliflower.
- Blue cheese dressing can be substituted with ranch dressing for a different dipping option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.
- Use gloves if sensitive when tossing cauliflower in hot sauce to avoid skin irritation.
