Indulge in the sophisticated flavors of Chef Crenn’s Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, a refined and sensory-rich take on a classic comfort food. This elegant dish showcases the beautiful interplay of delicate cauliflower, a decadent and irresistible buffalo sauce, and the cozy, satisfying crunch of an air fryer. Prepare to be transported to a world of gourmet indulgence with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Elevating the humble cauliflower to new heights, this refined recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The air fryer method yields a beautifully crisp exterior while preserving the tender, luscious interior of the cauliflower florets. The heavenly buffalo sauce, infused with warm, comforting spices, envelops each piece in a delicate, tempting glaze. This joyful, wholesome dish is the perfect balance of gourmet indulgence and elegant comfort, making it a true delight for the senses.
Ingredients
Carefully curated, the ingredients for this Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe come together to create a truly elegant and flavorful experience. The key components include fresh cauliflower florets, a rich and indulgent buffalo sauce, and a light coating of flour and spices to achieve the irresistible crunch.
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets – The star of the dish, providing a delicate canvas for the flavors to shine.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Lightly coating the cauliflower to create a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a touch of smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the dish with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – The rich, spicy heart of the recipe, enveloping the cauliflower in a luxurious glaze.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Buffalo Sauce: Try a tangy barbecue or a fragrant lemon-herb blend — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Flour Coating: Use a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Elevating the humble cauliflower to new heights, this refined recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. The air fryer method yields a beautifully crisp exterior while preserving the tender, luscious interior of the cauliflower florets.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the cauliflower florets. In a large bowl, toss the florets with a light coating of flour, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the florets are crispy and golden brown.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce ingredients until well combined. Gently toss the crispy cauliflower florets with the buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an added touch of elegance, garnish the Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately, allowing your guests to savor the warm, comforting aromas and the delightful interplay of flavors.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Drizzle of Tangy Yogurt: A cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, elevating the dish with a delightful balance of flavors.
- Sprinkle of Crumbled Blue Cheese: The bold, tangy notes of blue cheese add a gourmet twist, complementing the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Whiskey-Maple Buffalo Sauce: For a twist on the classic, incorporate a touch of maple syrup and a hint of smoky whiskey into the buffalo sauce.
- Oven-Baked Variation: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily adapt the recipe for oven-baked preparation, yielding equally delicious results.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crisp celery sticks, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and a refreshing beverage to complement the bold flavors.
Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer or oven before serving to restore the irresistible crunch.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the coated cauliflower florets in advance and store them in the refrigerator, then air fry and toss with the buffalo sauce just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Information
This refined Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower dish offers a guilt-free indulgence, with the air fryer method significantly reducing the amount of oil and calories compared to traditional frying. Cauliflower is a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this recipe a delicious and wholesome choice.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe. Simply ensure they are thoroughly dried before coating and air frying.
How do I make the buffalo sauce less spicy?
To reduce the heat, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and gradually increase it to your desired level of spiciness. You can also balance the heat with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Can I bake the cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! To bake the Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
How long will the leftovers keep?
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving to restore the delightful crunch.
Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the coated cauliflower florets in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry and toss with the buffalo sauce. This makes for a quick and easy meal when you need it.
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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. The cauliflower florets are coated in a spicy buffalo sauce and air-fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the battered cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. In a separate bowl, toss the cooked cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil until well coated.
7. Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp up the sauce.
Notes
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing. Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot buffalo sauce according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer & Oven-Baked
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg