Hi there, food lover! 👋
Are you craving something crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying without all the guilt of fried food? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into a wholesome yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even as a fun snack to share with friends. 🌟
Buffalo cauliflower has been winning hearts everywhere as a lighter, plant-based alternative to wings. And when cooked in an air fryer, it becomes irresistibly crunchy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. 🍴 No heavy breading, no deep frying—just golden bites of veggie goodness kissed with tangy buffalo sauce.
This recipe is rooted in the tradition of gathering around good food that makes you smile. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to cut back on fried snacks, air fryer buffalo cauliflower checks all the boxes. It’s a recipe that bridges comfort and health, proving you don’t have to compromise flavor for wellness.
So grab your apron, preheat that air fryer, and let’s make something delicious together. Trust me, one bite of these spicy cauliflower “wings” and you’ll be hooked! 🔥🌱
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup water (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping 🧄🧀
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prep the cauliflower 🥦
Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re fairly even in size so they cook uniformly. - Make the batter 🍲
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water (or plant-based milk), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should coat a spoon but still drip slightly. - Coat the florets 🌊
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, and place them onto a parchment-lined tray. This keeps things tidy before transferring them to the air fryer. - Air fry the cauliflower 🍳
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the florets in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy. - Prepare the buffalo sauce 🔥
While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl. This creates that irresistible glossy coating. - Toss and coat 🌀
Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over and toss until every piece is coated in spicy goodness. - Final crisp-up (optional) ✨
For extra crunch, return the coated florets to the air fryer for another 3–4 minutes. This helps set the sauce and intensifies the flavor. - Serve and enjoy! 🍽️
Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Perfect with celery and carrot sticks for that classic “wing night” vibe!
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25–30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~180
🍽️ Servings: 4
Per serving (without dip):
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: ~480mg
#️⃣ #AirFryerMagic #BuffaloCauliflower #HealthySnacking #PlantBasedEats #SpicyAndCrispy
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
