Description
Crispy, spicy cauliflower florets made in the air fryer, tossed in buffalo sauce for a healthier and delicious alternative to traditional wings.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into evenly sized florets
- ½–¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend + extra cornstarch)
- ¼–⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (plus ½ tsp cayenne, optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Approximately ¾ cup water or a mix of plant-based milk (e.g., soymilk) and water
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp melted butter or vegan butter
- Buffalo sauce (store-bought like Frank’s, or homemade with hot sauce, butter, a touch of honey or agave)
- Spray oil (like avocado or canola) for crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free flour blend), cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and optional cayenne.
- Pour in water (or soymilk/water mix), whisk until smooth, and stir cauliflower florets into the batter to coat.
- Optionally, let the coated florets chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the batter.
- Lightly mist the air fryer basket with spray oil and arrange a single layer of coated cauliflower, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for about 8–9 minutes, then carefully flip, mist again, and cook another 4–5 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
- Transfer hot cauliflower to a bowl, toss in buffalo sauce (mixed with melted butter if desired), and optionally return to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to let the sauce set.
- Serve immediately with celery, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, chill battered cauliflower before air frying.
- Use gluten-free flour blend and extra cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- For vegan, use plant-based milk and butter, and agave instead of honey.
- Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to modify heat level.
- Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness; avoid microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
