Name: Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted; Cooking spray

If you love all things spicy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe. The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance between the kick of tangy buffalo sauce and the tender, hearty bite of roasted cauliflower. By using the air fryer, you get an irresistibly crispy texture without dousing everything in oil, making it feel light but oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving this at game night, craving a mouthwatering appetizer, or just want a bold plant-based side, this is one crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again. And the best part? Yield: 4, so it’s perfect for sharing… but you may want the whole batch to yourself!

Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so satisfying about starting with fresh, simple ingredients and letting them shine with a handful of pantry staples. Each item here brings something unique to the table, enhancing taste, texture, or that signature vibrant color you’re after for the ultimate buffalo cauliflower experience.

Cauliflower: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized florets so every piece cooks evenly and soaks up plenty of flavor.
All-purpose flour: This builds the initial batter, creating a crispy coating on the outside.
Water: Helps thin the batter to the perfect consistency for sticking to each floret.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory backbone that’s classic in buffalo anything.
Onion powder: Gives a touch of sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Subtle smokiness adds depth, making the whole dish pop visually and on your palate.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: For a little warmth and complexity in each bite.
Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade): The key to that bold, spicy zing that makes this recipe shine.
Unsalted butter (melted): Helps mellow out the spice and adds that classic buffalo wing richness.
Cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks to your air fryer and gives that crispy finish.

How to Make Yield: 4

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them all relatively the same size so they cook evenly and get the same satisfying crunch. Set them aside, and take a moment to appreciate how much easier prepping vegetables can be with a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The batter should be smooth and thick, yet pourable—careful not to over-mix, just until everything is well blended. This savory bath is where all the flavor action begins for this Yield: 4 batch.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add all your cauliflower florets into the batter and use a spatula or your hands to make sure each piece gets evenly coated. Give each floret a gentle shake to remove excess batter before it goes into the air fryer; too much batter and you risk sogginess, too little and you miss out on crunch.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (about 190°C) for three minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray—an essential step for that golden crust. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd; this makes all the difference for a Yield: 4 that’s as crispy as it gets. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway so every side gets golden and delicious.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower works its magic in the air fryer, combine your buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This quick mix ensures perfect flavor balance—creamy, spicy, and impossible to resist.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Once the cauliflower is done and looking crunchy, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss carefully so every piece is generously coated. Move quickly here for that hot-out-of-the-air-fryer experience. Serve immediately with your favorite creamy dip and crisp celery sticks for the true buffalo wing effect—Yield: 4 will disappear fast!

How to Serve Yield: 4

Garnishes

A classic buffalo cauliflower deserves some thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkle with chopped chives, a little extra smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lemon for fresh zing. Serving with cooling blue cheese or ranch dip alongside crisp celery sticks creates that irresistible combination of spicy, creamy, and refreshing.

Side Dishes

This Yield: 4 portion of air fryer buffalo cauliflower shines as an appetizer, but it’s also right at home as a standout side with burgers, salads, or roasted potatoes. For a complete meatless meal, pair it with a big green salad or some charred corn on the cob—the play of textures and flavors is fantastic!

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual platter! Skewer individual florets for fun party bites, pile them in lettuce cups for a fresh (and gluten-free) twist, or build buffalo cauliflower tacos with a slaw and drizzle of ranch. Try loading them into a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and shredded carrots for a vibrant lunch that shows off this Yield: 4 recipe’s versatility.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Yield: 4 batch (a big “if”!), cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, though the crust will soften a bit—don’t worry, there’s an easy fix for bringing back the crunch.

Freezing

Want to freeze for later? Arrange the cooked, cooled florets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. While frozen buffalo cauliflower won’t be quite as crisp straight from the freezer, a quick reheat in the air fryer will work wonders. Use within a month for best results.

Reheating

For the closest thing to fresh-from-the-fryer crunch, reheat your buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This re-crisps the coating, revives the flavors, and turns leftovers into something you’ll crave all over again. The Yield: 4 size is perfect—just pop them in and heat through!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking flour for best texture, and keep everything else in the recipe the same. You still get a Yield: 4 that’s crisp and flavorful!

What brand of buffalo sauce works best?

Frank’s RedHot is a classic pick for that iconic flavor, but feel free to use any buffalo sauce you love. Homemade options are great too—just adjust spice levels to suit your crowd. No matter your sauce, you’ll still achieve a truly satisfying Yield: 4.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients, but be careful not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed for the best crispy finish. Each batch will still be yield: 4, so you can scale up for a party or meal prep.

Is this spicy enough for heat lovers?

The base recipe gives a solid kick, but if you’re a heat seeker, add extra hot sauce or a few dashes of cayenne to your buffalo sauce. For those who prefer things milder, blend in more melted butter or a splash of honey—flexibility is the beauty of Yield: 4 recipes like this!

Can I make this ahead for a party?

You can batter and air fry the cauliflower a few hours in advance, then quickly re-crisp in the air fryer just before tossing with buffalo sauce and serving. Your guests will never know it wasn’t just made fresh. The convenience of serving Yield: 4 at a gathering is unbeatable.

Final Thoughts

Inviting, bold, and a little addictive, this air fryer buffalo cauliflower recipe is the kind of dish that always leaves people reaching for more. If you’re ready for plant-based crunch and big flavors, all effortlessly done in the air fryer, give this Yield: 4 a try. Share it, savor it, and don’t be surprised when you find yourself making another batch soon!