Baked Buffalo Cauliflower (Air Fryer Option)
Looking for a healthy and delicious twist on buffalo wings? Make my crunchy and spicy baked buffalo cauliflower in the oven or air fryer! No one at your Super Bowl party will guess that these tasty bites are paleo, Whole30, vegetarian, and gluten-free!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup arrowroot powder or tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1 large cauliflower (about 2½ pounds), cut into uniform-sized florets
- ¼ cup avocado oil, ghee or refined coconut oil
- ½ cup cayenne pepper sauce
- 1½ tablespoons apple juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F on convection mode, with the rack in the middle. No convection mode? Heat to 425°F and rotate the tray of cauliflower more frequently during the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
- Add the arrowroot powder, garlic powder, and salt. Continue whisking until a smooth, sticky batter forms.
- Dump the cauliflower into the batter, toss with your hands to coat well.
- Shake off the excess batter. Place the florets in a well-greased wire rack placed on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the florets over, and rotate the tray. Continue cooking for 15 to 20 minutes more or until golden brown and crispy.
- Cooking in an air fryer? Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add half the battered cauliflower to the basket, spray the florets with cooking spray, and air fry at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, tossing the florets every 8 minutes, until the florets are crispy and brown. Repeat with the second batch.
- Time to make the buffalo sauce! While the florets are baking or air frying, heat the avocado oil, ghee, or refined coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, apple juice, and lemon juice. Remove the pan from the heat.
- When the florets are finished cooking, toss with the sauce.
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks and a dairy-free ranch if desired!
Video
Notes
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat the buffalo cauliflower in an air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes or until crunchy on the outside and hot in the center.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g