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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer Buffalo cauliflower — a clever way to get your veggies without sacrificing that saucy flavor you love with buffalo wings. We always serve this with celery and carrot sticks and our favorite blue cheese dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 731.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 2 Large Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Measuring spoons/cups
  • 1 Tongs For handling hot cauliflower and shaking basket

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce such as Frank's
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 2 pound cauliflower, broken into florets
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry's
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • drizzle of buffalo wing sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Combine hot sauce, butter, and honey in a large bowl; whisk until well combined. Add cauliflower florets and stir until well coated.
  • Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and paprika in a separate bowl, stirring well. Gradually sprinkle the flour mixture over the cauliflower florets, tossing until all florets are coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F (195 degrees C). Spray the fryer basket with olive oil spray or line with a parchment liner.
  • Transfer cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket, so they'll crisp up and not turn soggy.
  • Air fry for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket several times until the florets are lightly browned. They should be crispy, but not overcooked or mushy. You may have to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Time may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer.
  • Give the cauliflower a light drizzle of buffalo wing sauce when they come out of the air fryer, if desired. Serve with your choice of a creamy dipping sauce.

Notes

Achieving optimal crispness is paramount; avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking in batches. This ensures even air circulation, preventing steaming and promoting a beautifully crisp exterior. For the coating, ensure florets are thoroughly coated in the wet mixture before dusting lightly but completely with the dry ingredients. Too much flour mixture can lead to a pasty texture. Consider adjusting the amount of honey to balance the heat of the buffalo sauce; a touch of apple cider vinegar could also brighten the overall flavor profile. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture. Always check seasoning before serving, especially with seasoned salt and buffalo sauce which can vary in sodium content.