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Cauliflower has surged in popularity over the past few years, earning its place as a versatile and beloved vegetable in kitchens around the world. With its mild flavor and adaptable texture, cauliflower can be transformed into a variety of dishes, from creamy soups to hearty steaks. One of the most exciting trends in recent culinary innovation is the rise of the air fryer, a kitchen appliance that allows home cooks to achieve that coveted crispy texture without the excess oil. This healthier cooking method has revolutionized how we approach traditional fried foods, offering a guilt-free way to indulge in our favorites.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Discover the ultimate snack with this Fiery Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe! Enjoy the crisp, spicy flavor of buffalo wings in a healthy, plant-based dish that everyone will love. This recipe uses fresh cauliflower, spices, and buffalo sauce to create a crunchy, satisfying treat without the guilt. Perfect for game nights or as a fun appetizer, it’s simple to make and packed with nutritional benefits. Get ready to spice up your snacking routine!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour if preferred)

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buffalo sauce (adjust based on heat preference)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Celery sticks, for serving

Blue cheese or ranch dressing, for dipping

Instructions
 

Prep the Cauliflower: Begin by rinsing the cauliflower thoroughly under cool water. Cut it into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

    Make the Batter: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually pour in the almond milk while whisking continuously until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter that can cling to the cauliflower without dripping excessively.

      Coat the Cauliflower: Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, making sure that it is completely covered. Gently shake off any excess batter to prevent sogginess. Arrange the coated florets on a plate or tray.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking conditions.

          Arrange for Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush a little olive oil to prevent the cauliflower from sticking. Carefully place the battered florets in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they are not touching to achieve maximum crispiness.

            Air Fry: Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping. Aim for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture.

              Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a large mixing bowl while it's still hot. Drizzle the buffalo sauce and remaining olive oil over the florets. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is well-coated in the spicy sauce.

                Final Air Frying: Place the sauced cauliflower back into the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at the same temperature. This step helps to set the sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor.

                  Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the cauliflower from the air fryer. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the buffalo cauliflower hot alongside crisp celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      Presentation Tips: Arrange the buffalo cauliflower on a rustic wooden platter, placing the celery sticks around the edge, and serve the dressing in a small bowl in the center for a colorful and inviting display.