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The Best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: A Scrumptious Vegan Appetiser

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, healthy snack that’s packed with flavour, look no further than Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. This plant-based delight perfectly balances the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with the satisfying crunch of crispy cauliflower. Not only is it a fantastic appetiser for parties, but it also makes for a guilt-free snack or a side dish.

Why Choose Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

Air frying has become a popular cooking method that achieves crispy textures without the excessive oil found in traditional frying. The air fryer circulates hot air, creating a satisfying crunch while allowing you to enjoy all the flavours without the added calories. Buffalo cauliflower offers a perfect canvas for this method, allowing the florets to crisp up while absorbing the rich flavours of buffalo sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare the best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
• 1 cup water (or plant-based milk for added creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)
• Fresh parsley or celery sticks for garnish (optional)

Homemade Buffalo Sauce (Optional)

Creating your own buffalo sauce is easy and allows you to customise the heat level to your liking. Here’s a quick recipe:

• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (or a vegan alternative)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by washing the cauliflower thoroughly and cutting it into even-sized florets. This ensures that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water or plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the florets.

3. Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Ensure each piece is evenly coated to get that crispy texture.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy finish.

5. Air Fry the Cauliflower

Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray or toss them in olive oil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crunchy when done.

6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Once the cauliflower is perfectly air-fried, remove it from the basket and transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently until they are well coated.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Plate your delicious buffalo cauliflower bites and garnish with fresh parsley or serve alongside celery sticks for that classic touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a cooling vegan ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for the perfect contrast.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. It’s a dish that’s adaptable for various dietary preferences, making it ideal for gatherings, game days, or simply a cosy night in.

So gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and indulge in these spicy, crispy bites of goodness. Bon appétit!