Description
Get perfectly crispy, tender air-fried cauliflower, the ideal base for your favorite Buffalo sauce! This healthy snack is simple to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss thoroughly until all the cauliflower is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and lightly crispy.
- Step 3: While the cauliflower is air frying, warm the buffalo wing sauce in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave-safe bowl until slightly warm and more liquid (optional, but helps coating).
- Step 4: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it back to the large bowl. Pour the warmed buffalo sauce over the crispy cauliflower and toss gently until all the florets are thoroughly coated.
- Step 5: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C), shaking once, to allow the sauce to set and the cauliflower to become extra crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
- For best results, enjoy these crispy bites fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days; be aware they'll soften slightly.
- To revive that delightful crunch, pop leftover Buffalo cauliflower back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, giving the basket a shake, until hot and crispy again.
- Beyond dipping with ranch or blue cheese, try these spicy florets as a topping for salads, nestled in a warm pita with fresh veggies, or even as a flavorful component in a Buddha bowl.
- Don't skimp on coating the cauliflower thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture in Step 1; it's the magical ingredient that truly delivers the incredibly crispy foundation before the buffalo sauce even comes into play.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 florets (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 160
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 3g