Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower
Description
This recipe begins by whisking a dry mixture of flour and spices with almond milk to create a light batter coating for cauliflower florets. After coating, the florets are dredged in panko breadcrumbs to build a crispy crust. Air frying at 375°F crisps the coating to a golden brown while cooking the cauliflower tender.
The buffalo sauce is a blend of hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and spices, added after cooking to coat the crispy bites with a zesty glaze. The result balances crunchy exterior with tender interior and spicy, buttery flavor.
Serving these bites right after cooking keeps them crisp. They can be paired with vegan ranch or blue cheese-style dips. Adjust spice levels in the sauce to suit taste preferences.
For extra crispiness, double coating the florets in batter and breadcrumbs is suggested. Variations include different breadcrumb types or adding roasted vegetables alongside. The sauce can be made in advance and reheated.
Ingredients
For the cauliflower bites
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup almond milk unsweetened
- 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the buffalo sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup vegan butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the almond milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the almond milk mixture and toss until the florets are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Working one at a time, remove a cauliflower floret from the almond milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the floret to ensure it is fully coated. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower florets.
- Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or crowded.
- Air fry for 5 minutes, then shake the basket to move the cauliflower around. Air fry for another 5 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, make the buffalo sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl.
- When the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over the top. Toss the cauliflower until it is evenly coated in the sauce.
Notes
- Double-coating the cauliflower in batter and breadcrumbs enhances crispiness.
- Adjust buffalo sauce hotness by varying hot sauce and spice amounts.
- Serve hot with vegan ranch or blue cheese style dips for contrast.
- Shake air fryer basket occasionally during cooking for even crisping.
- Use cooking spray lightly if air fryer basket is not non-stick to prevent sticking.
- Non-dairy milk alternatives like soy or oat milk can substitute almond milk.
- Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier texture; regular breadcrumbs or cornmeal can be alternatives.
- Add other roasted vegetables like peppers or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Gluten-free options available by substituting flours and breadcrumbs accordingly.
- Buffalo sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated before tossing with cauliflower.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 255 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 255kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Sodium | 1324mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 539mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 172IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 92mg | 102% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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