Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (No Breading)

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower (No Breading) Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade) 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for added richness) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor) Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   • Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower head.
   • Cut it into bite-sized florets, discarding the tough stem.
   • Place the cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl.
2. Season the Cauliflower:
   • Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower florets.
   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
   • Toss the cauliflower florets in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Place the seasoned cauliflower florets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
   • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the cauliflower halfway through the cooking time for even browning. Cook until the cauliflower is tender and slightly crispy.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   • While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter (if using) in a separate bowl. Adjust the butter amount to your desired level of richness and heat.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce:
   • Once the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer it back to the mixing bowl.
   • Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower and toss until the florets are coated evenly with the sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the air-fried buffalo cauliflower immediately, with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ranch or blue cheese dressing).

Notes:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less buffalo sauce.
• Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. You can add other spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent proper crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
• If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based butter or omit it altogether.
• You can also experiment with different sauces or marinades to create unique flavors for your air-fried cauliflower.
• Serve this dish as a snack, appetizer, or side dish at parties, game nights, or alongside your favorite meals.
• Tips:
  1. Even Sizing: Try to cut the cauliflower florets into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Smaller florets will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Preheat for Crispy Results: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy cauliflower. It helps kickstart the cooking process and ensures even cooking.
  3. Use Parchment Paper: If you’re concerned about the cauliflower sticking to the air fryer basket, you can place a piece of parchment paper or a perforated parchment sheet in the basket before adding the cauliflower. This also makes cleanup easier.
  4. Experiment with Sauces: While buffalo sauce is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or teriyaki for different flavor profiles.
  5. Dipping Sauces: In addition to ranch or blue cheese dressing, consider serving with a side of yogurt-based tzatziki, sriracha mayo, or even hummus for dipping.
  6. Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions over the air-fried cauliflower for a burst of freshness and color.

  Variations:

  1. Crispy Coating: While this recipe is for no-breading cauliflower, you can create a crispy coating by dipping the cauliflower florets in beaten egg and then rolling them in breadcrumbs or panko crumbs before air frying. This will give you a more traditional “fried” texture.
  2. Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for a gluten-free coating.
  3. Keto-Friendly: To keep this dish keto-friendly, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb coating and a keto-friendly buffalo sauce.
  4. Asian-Inspired: Create an Asian-inspired version by tossing the cauliflower in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  5. Spicy Twist: Add some extra heat by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix or using a spicier buffalo sauce.
  6. Cheese Topping: After air frying, sprinkle the cauliflower with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese and return it to the air fryer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  Remember that the air fryer is a versatile appliance, and you can adapt this recipe to your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Enjoy your delicious and healthier Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower!