Air Fryer Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable, cut into bite-sized florets

Flour: Used to create the batter for coating

Water: Mixed with flour to form the batter

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor

Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky taste

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor

Hot sauce: Key ingredient for the buffalo sauce

Vegan butter: Mixed with hot sauce to create a rich, buttery buffalo coating

When making the batter, ensure that the water is cold. Cold water helps create a lighter, crispier coating for the cauliflower. Additionally, when you shake the basket halfway through cooking, do so gently to avoid knocking off the batter. This ensures an even, crispy texture on all sides.

• cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and can hold up well to the air frying process, making it a good alternative.

• flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour is gluten-free and provides a similar binding and coating effect for the cauliflower.

• water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can add a bit of extra flavor and creaminess to the batter.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor if you are out of garlic powder.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid making the dish too salty.

• hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar level of heat and tanginess, making it a good alternative to traditional hot sauce.

• vegan butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and help the hot sauce adhere to the cauliflower.

• Allow the cauliflower florets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled cauliflower to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The cauliflower will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, place the cooled cauliflower florets on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the cauliflower to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen cauliflower florets in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
• If you prefer to reheat in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. This method will keep them crispy and delicious.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method will help maintain the texture and flavor.

• Microwave Method: Place the cauliflower florets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may result in a softer texture.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegan butter. Place the cauliflower florets in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method can help regain some crispiness while reheating.

• Air fryer: This is essential for cooking the cauliflower to a crispy texture without using much oil.

• Mixing bowl: You'll need this to mix the batter ingredients and to toss the cauliflower in the hot sauce mixture.

• Whisk: Useful for thoroughly combining the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, and salt into a smooth batter.

• Measuring cups: These ensure you get the correct proportions of flour, water, and hot sauce.

• Measuring spoons: These help you accurately measure the garlic powder, paprika, and salt.

• Knife: Necessary for cutting the cauliflower head into florets.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the cauliflower.

• Tongs: Handy for dipping the cauliflower florets into the batter and for tossing them in the hot sauce mixture.

• Small bowl: Useful for melting the vegan butter and mixing it with the hot sauce.

• Spatula: Helps in transferring the coated cauliflower florets to and from the air fryer basket.

• Microwave or stovetop: Needed for melting the vegan butter if it’s solid.

Pre-cut cauliflower: Buy pre-cut cauliflower florets to save time on chopping.

Use a whisk: Quickly mix the batter ingredients with a whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.

Line the basket: Use parchment paper or a silicone liner in the air fryer basket for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of cauliflower at once if your air fryer is large enough.

Pre-make sauce: Prepare the hot sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Quick shake: Shake the air fryer basket gently to ensure even cooking without needing to open it fully.