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This crispy buffalo cauliflower is my go-to recipe when I'm craving something with a spicy kick but want to keep things on the lighter side. The air fryer transforms humble cauliflower into crispy, buffalo-coated bites that disappear almost instantly when I serve them.
I first made these buffalo cauliflower bites during a football playoff party, and they were gone before the chicken wings. Even my nephew who claims to hate vegetables asked for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets: Cut to equal size ensures even cooking and creates the perfect bite-sized pieces
- All purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating that holds the sauce
- Water: Thins the batter to the ideal consistency for coating
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the batter
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat to the batter
- Buffalo sauce: Delivers that classic tangy spicy flavor we all crave
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Cauliflower:
- Wash and chop your cauliflower into 1-inch florets. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. After washing, thoroughly pat the florets dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents proper crisping.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper until completely smooth. The batter should have a consistency similar to pancake batter not too thick or too thin. If needed, adjust with a splash more water or sprinkle of flour.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Add your dried cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss until each piece is completely coated. Use a spatula to ensure every floret gets an even layer of batter. Let any excess batter drip off before placing in the air fryer.
- First Air Frying:
- Preheat your air fryer if required by your model. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating should start looking golden and crispy.
- Add Buffalo Sauce:
- Remove the partially cooked cauliflower from the air fryer and return them to your mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. The hot cauliflower will absorb some of the sauce immediately.
- Second Air Frying:
- Return the buffalo sauce coated cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes at 400°F, checking at the 5 minute mark. The coating should become beautifully crisp with some charred edges while the buffalo sauce caramelizes slightly.
The key to getting these cauliflower bites extra crispy is making sure your cauliflower is completely dry before coating it in batter. I once skipped this step and ended up with soggy buffalo cauliflower that didn't crisp up properly no matter how long I air fried it.
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Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize the heat level. For a milder version, mix equal parts buffalo sauce with melted butter. The butter tames the heat while adding richness. If you want to turn up the heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your buffalo sauce or choose a hotter sauce variety. For kids or spice-sensitive guests, try using BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweet and tangy alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy buffalo cauliflower bites shine when served with the right accompaniments. Traditional blue cheese or ranch dressing makes the perfect cooling dip to balance the spicy buffalo coating. Fresh celery and carrot sticks not only add a nice crunch and color contrast but also provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. For a complete meal, serve over a bed of mixed greens with additional dressing, or tuck into warm pita bread with lettuce and tomato for a vegetarian buffalo sandwich that satisfies even the most dedicated wing lovers.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes even with careful preparation, things can go wrong. If your cauliflower comes out soggy rather than crispy, your air fryer might be overcrowded. Work in smaller batches allowing more air circulation around each piece. Is your batter sliding off during cooking? Make sure your cauliflower is completely dry before coating and consider refrigerating the battered cauliflower for 15 minutes before air frying to help the batter adhere better. If your buffalo coating is too thin, try reducing the sauce in a small saucepan for 5 minutes before tossing with the cauliflower for a thicker coating that really sticks.
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This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to impress at your next gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this buffalo cauliflower gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, as mentioned in the ingredients list. The texture and taste will remain virtually the same.
- → How do I know when the cauliflower is done cooking?
The cauliflower is done when it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This typically takes about 10 minutes for the first air frying, and an additional 5-7 minutes after adding the buffalo sauce. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy.
- → Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by using a mild buffalo sauce or mixing the buffalo sauce with melted butter to dilute the heat. Some brands also offer mild versions of their buffalo sauce.
- → What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?
Buffalo cauliflower pairs perfectly with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing. Traditional accompaniments include celery and carrot sticks. It also works well as part of a larger appetizer spread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- → Can I make buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?
Buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when it's at its crispiest. However, you can prepare the batter and chop the cauliflower ahead of time. If you need to reheat leftovers, use the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to restore some crispness.
- → What if I don't have an air fryer?
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 425°F. Arrange the battered florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes. Add the buffalo sauce and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.