The Zesty Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe for Game Day Magic

Sizzling air fryer buffalo cauliflower changes ordinary vegetables into an irresistible appetizer that sparks culinary excitement.

Crisp, golden florets emerge with a delightful crackle, promising sensational flavor in every bite.

This plant-powered dish brings bold, zesty notes that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Healthier alternatives rarely taste this incredible, blending nutrition with unbelievable texture and mouthwatering potential.

Veggie lovers and spice enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by these fiery, crunchy morsels that challenge traditional snacking expectations.

Light, quick, and bursting with personality, this recipe redefines comfort food for the modern kitchen.

Prepare to revolutionize your snacking game with these addictive, guilt-free buffalo bites.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: Crispy, Spicy, and Simply Delicious

• Crisp Up Perfectly: Air fryer technology transforms cauliflower into a crunchy, golden-brown delight without excessive oil, creating restaurant-style texture right at home.
• Spice Up Your Snack Game: Buffalo-style hot sauce coating delivers bold, tangy flavors that pack a punch, making this a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day favorite.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: With just 15 minutes of cooking time and simple ingredients, this recipe offers a speedy, low-effort way to enjoy a healthier version of classic buffalo wings that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

What You Need for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: Fresh, firm vegetable with dense white florets that provides a perfect base for crispy buffalo-style appetizer.
• Hot Sauce: Classic spicy condiment that delivers signature buffalo flavor and heat to the dish.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps hot sauce adhere to cauliflower florets.
• Cornstarch: Light white powder that creates a crispy exterior and helps sauce stick to cauliflower.
• Garlic Powder: Dried seasoning that provides subtle, savory background flavor.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste of the dish.
• Blue Cheese: Tangy, bold cheese that provides a creamy and sharp complement to spicy cauliflower.
• Sour Cream: Smooth dairy product that adds richness and helps balance hot sauce heat.
• Buttermilk: Slightly tangy liquid that contributes to dressings creamy consistency.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind dressing ingredients together.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dressings flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Chop Cauliflower into Bite-Sized Pieces

Break the cauliflower into equal-sized florets, ensuring each piece is roughly similar in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Zesty Buffalo Coating

• Hot sauce
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Garlic powder

Dunk cauliflower florets in the sauce, then dust with cornstarch until fully covered.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Warm air fryer to 350°F. Spread florets in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, giving the basket a gentle shake halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Dipping Sauce

• Blue cheese
• Sour cream
• Buttermilk
• Mayonnaise

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy buffalo cauliflower to a serving plate and accompany with the cool, tangy dipping sauce. Enjoy hot and fresh straight from the air fryer.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Buffalo Cauliflower

• Measure Florets Carefully: Cut cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout.
• Coat Thoroughly: Use a large bowl to toss florets completely in hot sauce mixture, making sure every surface gets an even, flavorful layer of seasoning.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange cauliflower in a single layer with space between pieces, preventing steaming and promoting maximum crispiness.
• Shake Midway: Gently shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to help florets crisp up evenly and prevent sticking.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by mixing different hot sauce brands or adding cayenne pepper for extra kick, tailoring the recipe to your taste preferences.

How to Keep Your Buffalo Cauliflower Crispy

• Refrigerator Storage: Place leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the cauliflower from the dressing to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating Method: Restore the crispy exterior by warming the cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, which will make the florets soft and mushy, losing their signature crunch.
• Freezing Option: Freeze plain buffalo cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Pair Buffalo Cauliflower with These Dips and Sides

• Craft a Classic Beer Pairing: Crack open a crisp, cold IPA or pale ale to complement the spicy buffalo sauce. The hoppy bitterness cuts through the richness and balances the heat perfectly.
• Create a Cooling Cocktail Companion: Mix a zesty margarita or a refreshing cucumber gin spritzer to soothe the buffalo sauce's fiery kick. These light, citrusy drinks provide a delightful contrast to the spicy cauliflower.
• Build a Creamy Dip Duo: Serve alongside additional blue cheese dressing or a tangy ranch for extra dipping pleasure. Consider adding some sliced celery sticks for a classic buffalo-style crunch and freshness.
• Pair with Crunchy Side Snacks: Add some crispy potato wedges or light coleslaw to round out the meal. These sides provide textural variety and help balance the spicy, tangy buffalo cauliflower.

Experiment with Different Sauces for Buffalo Cauliflower

• Spicy Korean Kick: Swap buffalo sauce with gochujang for a Korean-inspired version. Add sesame oil and green onions for extra flavor complexity.
• Honey Garlic Crunch: Replace hot sauce with honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds after cooking for added texture and nutty notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix olive oil with dried oregano, thyme, and lemon zest instead of buffalo sauce. Serve with tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip for a Mediterranean twist.
• Caribbean Jerk Style: Use jerk seasoning and coconut oil to coat cauliflower. Add a splash of rum and serve with pineapple salsa for tropical warmth.

Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower delivers spicy, tangy excitement for snack enthusiasts craving zesty plant-based bites. Perfectly seasoned florets provide irresistible crunch that connects game day nostalgia with healthier eating choices you’ll devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
• 3 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder

Blue Cheese Dressing Ingredients:

• 0.25 cups (2 ounces or 56 grams) crumbled blue cheese
• 0.25 cups sour cream
• 3 tablespoons buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate the whole cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets ensuring each piece is roughly similar in size for consistent cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together Frank’s hot sauce, unsalted melted butter, kosher salt, and granulated garlic powder until thoroughly combined.
3. Gently roll each cauliflower floret in the spicy sauce mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then dust with cornstarch by tossing in a separate bowl until each piece is evenly and lightly coated with a powdery layer.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for optimal temperature, allowing 2-3 minutes for complete heating.
5. Strategically place cauliflower florets in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote crispy edges and even cooking.
6. Cook the coated florets for approximately 12-15 minutes, pausing midway to carefully shake the basket, promoting uniform browning and crispiness.
7. While cauliflower cooks, prepare the creamy dipping sauce by blending crumbled blue cheese, full-fat sour cream, buttermilk, and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
8. Season the sauce with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
9. Transfer the golden, crispy buffalo cauliflower to a serving plate and accompany with the prepared blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

• Spice things up by using gluten-free cornstarch for a celiac-friendly twist.
• Swap traditional hot sauce with sriracha or homemade pepper sauce for a unique flavor profile.
• Crumbled blue cheese can replace dressing for a more intense tangy experience.
• Store leftover cauliflower in an airtight container to maintain crispiness for quick reheating.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun or ranch powder for varied taste adventures.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg