Air-frying frozen cauliflower has never been more delicious! With a simple buffalo sauce and just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up an incredibly flavorful side dish or snack. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough to impress guests at a party or potluck!
If you love buffalo cauliflower as much as my family does, this is the perfect recipe for you. You can keep all of the ingredients on hand, and when the urge strikes, for my kids, it’s usually around 9 pm, you can whip up a batch in minutes!
There is nothing better than hot sauce, as my son will tell you, and there are so many options to choose from, but that traditional is Frank’s Hot Sauce, but if you have a hot sauce lover in your house, you can elevate this spiciness/hotness by changing it out.
If you are looking for other easy Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CANDIED PECANS, AIR FRYER CAJUN FRIED PICKLES, AIR FRYER HOMEMADE CHEEZ-ITS, and AIR FRYER CRISPY SPINACH & RICOTTA FRIED TORTELLINI.
Why You Will Love Air Fried Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This dish requires minimal effort—just toss the frozen cauliflower in the air fryer with buffalo sauce and enjoy a delicious side in under 15 minutes!
- Flavorful and Zesty: The spicy buffalo sauce adds a bold kick to the cauliflower, making it a satisfying and addictive snack or side dish that packs a punch.
- Healthy Alternative: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a healthier option compared to traditional frying without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as an appetizer, a side for your main course, or a tasty snack, air-fried buffalo cauliflower fits perfectly into any meal or occasion.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish can be made in advance and stored, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays while still delivering delicious flavor.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Cauliflower: Convenient and ready to cook, frozen cauliflower is a nutritious base for this dish, providing essential vitamins and fiber while saving you prep time.
- Buffalo Sauce: This tangy and spicy sauce infuses the cauliflower with bold flavors, elevating the dish and making it irresistibly delicious.
- Olive Oil (optional): A light drizzle of olive oil helps the buffalo sauce adhere to the cauliflower and can enhance the crispiness when air frying, although it’s not strictly necessary.
- Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish, bringing out the natural taste of the cauliflower and complementing the buffalo sauce.
How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine the frozen cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil (if using). Toss well until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check for Doneness: The cauliflower should be crispy and slightly charred when done. If you prefer it crispier, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!
Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower in Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- The key to knowing when this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is done or not is that they should be crunchy. If they are not, they need to cook longer.
- For more flavor, if you are looking for adding flavor, add some ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, or onion powder.
- If you are looking for breaded cauliflower, add about a cup of panko or Italian Breadcrumbs for a great fried taste. Toss the coated cauliflower (already coated with buffalo and olive oil) with the panko or breadcrumbs.
Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower in Air Fryer Recipe Faqs
Do I need to thaw the cauliflower before cooking? No, you can cook the frozen cauliflower directly from the freezer. Air frying it from frozen helps achieve that desired crispy texture.
How long should I cook the frozen buffalo cauliflower? Cook the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Adjust the time if you prefer it crispier.
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade buffalo sauce for a personalized touch, or adjust the heat level to your preference.
What should I do if the cauliflower isn’t crispy enough? If it’s not crispy to your liking, you can air fry it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Can I store leftovers? Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower? Buffalo cauliflower pairs well with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. You can also add it to salads or grain bowls for added flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, most buffalo sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, as long as you use a vegan buffalo sauce, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER CAJUN FRIED PICKLES
- AIR FRYER CHEESEBURGER EGG ROLLS
- EASY AIR FRYER MAC & CHEESE FLATBREAD PIZZA
- AIR FRYER FRIED CHEESY PICKLES
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Frozen Buffalo Cauliflower in Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower, frozen
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup hot sauce, any type
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen cauliflower with buffalo sauce and olive oil (if using). Toss well until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- The cauliflower should be crispy and slightly charred when done. If you prefer it crispier, you can air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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