Image Source from veganvitality11

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets: A Spicy Snack Sensation 🌶️🥦

In the realm of healthy snacking, Buffalo cauliflower florets have emerged as a favourite for those seeking a delicious yet guilt-free alternative to classic buffalo wings. The Air Fryer has revolutionised the way we cook, allowing for crispy textures with less oil, and it is the perfect tool for preparing this vibrant dish. Whether you’re looking for a snack for game day, a tasty side dish, or a delicious addition to your plant-based meals, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets are sure to impress.

Why Cauliflower?

Cauliflower is celebrated for its versatility and is a nutritional powerhouse low in calories but high in vitamins C and K. It also boasts significant amounts of folate and fibre, aiding in digestion and overall health. When paired with a spicy buffalo sauce, it transforms into an irresistible dish bursting with flavour that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets, you’ll require the following ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup of water (or non-dairy milk)
• 1 cup of buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep Your Cauliflower: Start by removing the leaves from the cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

2. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the water (or non-dairy milk) until you achieve a smooth batter.

3. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Ensure each piece is well-coated for that perfect crispy exterior.

4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and preheat it for around 5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the battered florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the florets are golden brown and crispy.

6. Add the Buffalo Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower florets to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently until every floret is coated in the spicy sauce.

7. Final Crisp (Optional): Return the coated florets to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to make them extra crispy.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Plate your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. They can be served on their own or accompanied by a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

A Perfect Party Snack

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. They make for an excellent appetiser at gatherings, a satisfying snack for a quiet night in, or a flavour-packed addition to salads and grain bowls. The combination of their crispy texture and zesty flavour is bound to win over even the most dedicated meat lovers, making them a hit at any occasion.

Conclusion

For a scrumptious, guilt-free snack loaded with taste, you can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Florets. They are easy to prepare, nutritious, and, best of all, provide that satisfying crunch we all crave. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and indulge in this spicy, satisfying treat. Your taste buds will thank you!