Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into uniform florets. In a large mixing bowl, combine hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the buffalo marinade. Toss the cauliflower florets into the marinade ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the coated cauliflower evenly in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for crispy results.
- Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even crispiness. For extra crunch, lightly spray cauliflower with additional oil before cooking.
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer. Toss in more hot sauce if desired or serve immediately with dipping sauces like blue cheese or ranch dressing for authentic flavor.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer’s model for optimal crispiness.
- You can prepare the cauliflower ahead and refrigerate; reheat in the air fryer to restore crunch.
- Use vegan hot sauce and plant-based dressings to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Low Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg