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Air Fried Buffalo Cauliflower on a wooden board with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, all on a blue countertop with a beer in the background.
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Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
second batch
12 mins
 
Air-fried Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect vegetarian and lower fat answer to Buffalo Wings. The crispy coating on the outside gives you the crunch and flavor that you want, while the cauliflower inside stays tender. Marinating the cauliflower first is the key to maximizing the flavor.
Course: Appetizers/Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegetarian, Great Snacks, Quick and Easy
Servings: 4
Calories: 160 kcal
Ingredients
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup red hot sauce
  • ½ large head of cauliflower cut into florets (about 1½ pounds)
  • ½ cup fine plain toasted breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • vegetable oil
For Serving:
  • blue cheese dressing
  • celery sticks
  • carrot sticks
Instructions
  1. Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl.
  2. Add the cauliflower and toss really well to coat all the nooks and crannies with the sauce. Let the cauliflower marinate in the buttermilk-hot sauce for 15 minutes, tossing every now and then to re-coat.
  3. Combine the breadcrumbs, cornstarch, salt and paprika in a zipper sealable plastic bag (or bowl). Working in batches, lift the cauliflower florets out of the marinade, letting extra liquid drip off the pieces and place them into the breadcrumbs. Seal the bag and toss the florets to coat with the crumbs (or toss in the bowl gently with your hands). Transfer the coated florets to the basket of your air fryer and spritz with vegetable oil on all sides.
  4. Air-fry for 12 to 14 minutes at 400ºF, until the coating is crispy and the cauliflower is cooked through. You shouldn’t need to flip the cauliflower.
  5. Transfer the cauliflower to a serving platter and serve warm with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Nutrition Facts
Air-Fried Buffalo Cauliflower
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 3mg1%
Sodium 987mg41%
Potassium 596mg17%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 173IU3%
Vitamin C 82mg99%
Calcium 111mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.