Crispy Air-Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (Printable Version)

Spicy cauliflower florets air-fried to crispy perfection with tangy buffalo coating for a tasty snack.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Buffalo Sauce

10 - 1/3 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F or oven to 425°F; line baking tray with parchment paper if using oven.
02 - Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth in a large bowl.
03 - Toss cauliflower florets in batter to coat thoroughly.
04 - Dredge each battered floret in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere evenly.
05 - Place coated florets in single layer in air fryer basket or on prepared baking tray.
06 - Air-fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking basket halfway through, or bake 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
07 - Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl, mixing well.
08 - Transfer cooked florets to a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
09 - Serve immediately with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Theyre so crispy you forget youre eating vegetables, and the buffalo tang hits just like the real thing.
  • You can prep them in under 15 minutes and let the air-fryer do all the work while you clean up or pour drinks.
  • Theyre lighter than wings but still satisfy that spicy, salty craving without the guilt or the grease.
02 -
  • Dont skip shaking or flipping the florets halfway through, thats what keeps them evenly crispy instead of soggy on one side.
  • Toss them in sauce only after theyre fully cooked, if you do it too early, the coating will turn mushy and lose its crunch.
03 -
  • Press the panko onto each floret firmly, it makes all the difference between a coating that stays put and one that falls off.
  • Dont overcrowd the basket or tray, give each piece space to breathe so the hot air can crisp every side evenly.
  • Taste your buffalo sauce before tossing and adjust the heat or sweetness to match your mood.
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