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Looking for air fryer appetizers? This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is the most delicious appetizer or side! Lightly battered cauliflower air fried until crisp and coated in spicy buffalo sauce!
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Hi, I’m Katherine. I live in the FREAKING TUNDRA!
Ok, but really. It’s -35 C outside right now. -35!!! Who lives in a place like that!? I guess I do. I started off this year being all “I’m going to be positive about living in Canada and the winter weather” and then winter just laughed in my face. It was much easier having a positive attitude in the first half of this winter, when the weather was sooo nice and mild. Much more bearable! Fingers crossed that this cold snap doesn’t last too long or I will turn into an actual ice cube.
So, remember my air fryer coconut shrimp from a few weeks ago? They are so good! I have still been on an air fryer kick since then, and these buffalo cauliflower bites are my latest creation.
What is buffalo cauliflower?
Well, I’m sure you’ve had buffalo chicken wings. These are the same, except cauliflower! The air fryer crisps it up perfectly, you won’t even know you’re eating vegetables.
Buffalo sauce is typically hot sauce with a mixture of vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, butter and seasonings. The butter makes buffalo sauce thicker, richer and creamier than traditional hot sauce.
Do you have to use an air fryer for buffalo cauliflower?
No! You can also roast the cauliflower in an oven before adding the sauce. I’ve also included directions for this in the recipe card, below. It’s equally delicious, but will definitely take longer than in the air fryer and will not be quite as crispy.
What kind of buffalo sauce should you use for these cauliflower bites?
I use Frank’s red hot buffalo sauce. You could use any brand you like!
How do you make buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer?
Start with mixing together a simple batter of milk, flour, garlic and a bit of olive oil. I usually add salt and pepper to this as well. Mix it all up in a large Ziploc bag and then add the cauliflower florets, and shake the bag vigorously until all of the cauliflower is coated thoroughly.
Then, place these florets in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. This is the one I own
The cauliflower will be crispy after about 8 minutes. Check them after 5 and give them a little shake and turn a few of the bigger pieces to avoid any burnt pieces. While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo sauce with a tablespoon of honey. Empty the cooked cauliflower into a large bowl along with the buffalo sauce, and toss all together. Then, place the coated cauliflower back into the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until crispy.
Serve the cauliflower right away, with ranch or blue cheese dip!
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower makes a great side dish or an appetizer for game day! I like to serve these spicy little bites as an appy before the main event. If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them by crisping them up in the oven at 250 F for about 10-15 minutes.
Stay warm, friends!
Some other great appetizer and snack ideas for you:
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups cauliflower 1x
Description
Looking for air fryer appetizers? This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is the most delicious appetizer or side! Lightly battered cauliflower air fried until crisp and coated in spicy buffalo sauce!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk*
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup buffalo sauce**
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 F. In a measuring cup, combine the milk with the flour, garlic, olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, before pouring it into a large Ziploc bag. Add the cauliflower florets and close the bag. Shake the bag vigorously, until the cauliflower is thoroughly coated. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Close the lid and cook the cauliflower for 5 minutes, before shaking the air fryer basket and turning a few of the larger cauliflower pieces. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- While the cauliflower is in the air fryer, whisk together the buffalo sauce and honey. Remove the cooked cauliflower, and place in a large mixing bowl, pouring the buffalo sauce mixture on top. Stir to coat thoroughly, then place the coated cauliflower back into the air fryer basket. Close the lid again and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until crispy. Remove and serve immediately, with a side of ranch or blue dip!
- Oven Roasted: Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Follow step 1 above for coating the cauliflower, then empty the cauliflower onto the baking sheet. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 15 minutes, before adding the buffalo sauce. Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 5 minutes, or until crispy. Serve immediately.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, and crisped up again in the oven at 250F for 10-15 minutes.
Leftovers can be stored
Notes
*You can use a dairy-free milk as well but if you’re using something like coconut milk it may add unwanted flavor!
**I use Frank’s red hot buffalo sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: air fryer
Yum yum yum! I love this healthier take on buffalo chicken and it works so good in the airfryer! Delicious balance of flavours. Blue cheese dip for me!
Sabrina! Thank you! The air fryer is the absolute best for this.
MMM they sure look so smoky and flavourful! What a great dish for the holidays to get in some vegetables!
An easy way to get in veggies for sure! Thanks Christie!!