Crispy delight: unlock the secret to irresistible air fried buffalo cauliflower recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of buffalo cauliflower without the guilt! This air fried buffalo cauliflower recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, tang, and crunch without the added calories of deep-frying. Prepare to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds with this incredible dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower florets, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg.
4. Dip the cauliflower florets into the egg mixture, then roll them in the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture.

Air Frying

1. Place the breaded cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with olive oil.
2. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the hot sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

Assembling the Dish

1. Transfer the air fried cauliflower to a large bowl.
2. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese or ranch.

Tips

• For a spicier buffalo sauce, use a hotter hot sauce.
• Add a touch of garlic powder or onion powder to the buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve the buffalo cauliflower with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a healthy and refreshing side.

Health Benefits

Air fried buffalo cauliflower is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
• Low in calories and fat compared to deep-fried cauliflower.
• May promote heart health due to its antioxidant properties.
• Can help reduce inflammation.

Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
• BBQ Buffalo Cauliflower: Use barbecue sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Garlic Buffalo Cauliflower: Add minced garlic to the buffalo sauce for a savory twist.
• Parmesan Buffalo Cauliflower: Add extra Parmesan cheese to the breading mixture for a cheesy and crispy crust.

Beyond the Buffalo Sauce

While buffalo sauce is a classic, you can experiment with different sauces to create unique flavors:

• Honey Mustard: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon juice.
• Thai Sweet Chili: Use a sweet chili sauce and add a splash of soy sauce.
• Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce and add a pinch of sesame seeds.
• Ranch: Use a creamy ranch dressing and add a sprinkle of herbs.

Takeaways: A Culinary Delight with Endless Possibilities

This air fried buffalo cauliflower recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the irresistible flavors of buffalo sauce with the health benefits of cauliflower. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a satisfying snack, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. However, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before breading and air frying.
Q: How do I store leftover buffalo cauliflower?
A: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q: Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce before using.