Oh, cauliflower, you versatile little wonder! Who would’ve thought something so plain could be transformed into a crispy, spicy delight that rivals even the best buffalo wings? Tossed in tangy hot sauce and crisped to perfection in the air fryer, this recipe is a game-changer for veggie lovers and skeptics alike.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk until the mixture is smooth and forms a batter.
- Break the cauliflower into large florets and add them to the batter. Stir well to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Carefully lift each floret from the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave space between each floret to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry the cauliflower for 9 minutes, then carefully flip each piece using a spatula. Brush the florets with buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- Continue to air fry for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cauliflower is deeply browned and crispy on the edges.
- Once the florets are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and give them another generous coating of buffalo sauce. Serve immediately, optionally with vegan ranch for dipping.
Ingredients
- ? cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup water
- 1 head cauliflower, approximately 2 pounds, divided into large florets
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
- Vegan ranch dressing, optional, for dipping
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan. Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use agave syrup instead of honey in the buffalo sauce.
- How can I ensure the cauliflower gets crispy?
- To achieve a crispy texture, make sure to fully coat the cauliflower florets in the batter. The cornstarch in the batter is key for crispiness. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook the florets in a single layer.
- What should I do if the cauliflower sticks to the air fryer basket?
- If the cauliflower sticks to the basket, use a spatula to gently loosen it before flipping. To minimize sticking, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray prior to adding the cauliflower.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- While it’s best to serve the buffalo cauliflower hot from the air fryer, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, note that they may lose some of their crispiness.
- What are some recommended dipping sauces for this dish?
- These buffalo cauliflower bites pair well with classic blue cheese dressing or a vegan ranch dip. Both options complement the spicy and saucy flavors.
Tips
- Ensure thorough coating: To achieve a crispy “fried” texture, make sure the cauliflower florets are fully coated with the batter, covering every part of each piece.
- Avoid overcrowding: Place the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket with some space between each floret to ensure they become browned and crisp, not steamed. Work in batches if needed.
- Flip carefully: Use a spatula to gently loosen and flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and maintain the crispy coating. Lightly greasing the basket with cooking spray can also help reduce sticking.
- Double sauce for flavor: Apply buffalo sauce to the cauliflower twice—once midway through cooking and again just before serving—to ensure full coverage and enhance the flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Spatula
- Cooking Spray (if you don’t already have it)
