Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
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

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Get ready to fall in love with a game-changing appetizer that combines bold flavors and irresistible crunch: the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. This dish perfectly captures the spicy kick and vibrant zest of classic buffalo wings, but with a wholesome twist—using cauliflower as the star ingredient. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get that mouthwatering crispiness without the guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to impress your friends with a new favorite, this recipe is a surefire hit that balances heat, texture, and that cozy familiar comfort.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, whether it’s building the batter for that perfect coating, adding depth to the buffalo sauce, or helping the cauliflower achieve a golden, crispy finish. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing.

1 medium head of cauliflower: Cut into bite-sized florets for even cooking and the perfect bite.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The essential base for a light, crispy batter that clings beautifully to the cauliflower.
1/2 cup water: Helps create a smooth, pourable batter without weighing down the veggies.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the spicy buffalo sauce.
1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances flavor with a mild sweetness and complexity.
1/4 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky undertone that pairs perfectly with the heat.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances flavors and lifts the overall taste of the dish.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick for well-rounded seasoning.
3/4 cup buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version to bring that classic spicy tang.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and help mellow the spice of the buffalo sauce.
Cooking spray: To lightly oil the air fryer basket ensuring a crispy finish without sticking.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets. This uniformity is key to ensuring each piece cooks evenly and crisps up just right in the air fryer. If your florets vary a lot in size, some might burn while others remain underdone, so take a little extra time here—it’s worth it.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still easy to stir and pour. This batter forms the crispy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible once air fried.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Drop the florets into the batter and gently toss until every piece is fully coated. Then shake off any excess batter—too much will clump, and you want that nice even coverage for maximum crunch. This step is all about getting that perfect crispy shell with just the right amount of batter.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes, and give the basket a quick spritz with cooking spray. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd, which helps them crisp rather than steam. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so all sides brown beautifully. The result? Golden, crunchy bites that are hard to resist.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower crisps, mix together your buffalo sauce with the melted butter. The butter doesn’t just add richness; it softens the heat a bit and makes the sauce perfectly glossy for coating.

Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce

Transfer the hot cauliflower to a large bowl, pour your luscious buffalo sauce over, and toss until every floret is vibrantly coated. This final step locks in that signature buffalo flavor, making sure each crispy bite delivers that satisfying spicy punch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish adds both beauty and a flavor boost. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness that balances the spice. A side of crisp celery sticks and a drizzle of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing makes every bite even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

Pair this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe with simple sides that complement the heat and crunch. Think creamy coleslaw, cool cucumber salad, or even some buttery garlic bread. These sides create a complete experience, turning a small plate into a fulfilling snack or appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve this buffalo cauliflower on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal. Or pile it high on a platter with colorful veggies, dips, and even some crunchy nuts sprinkled over top for extra texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days—just the right amount of time to enjoy that leftover goodness without sacrifice.

Freezing

Freezing buffalo cauliflower is possible but best done before you toss it in the buffalo sauce. After air frying and cooling, freeze in a lined container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer for best texture, then add freshly mixed buffalo sauce for that just-made flavor.

Reheating

To keep the crispiness alive, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes instead of the microwave. Once warm and crisp, toss the florets in buffalo sauce again or drizzle fresh sauce on top for maximum flavor revival.

FAQs

Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?

Absolutely! Broccoli florets or even sliced zucchini can work well with this method. Keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetable’s water content and size.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

It can be with minor tweaks! Use a vegan butter alternative or olive oil for mixing with the buffalo sauce, and ensure your buffalo sauce is free from dairy ingredients. This way, you get all the flavor without any animal products.

How spicy is the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce used. You can adjust it to suit your taste by using a milder sauce or by adding extra melted butter to tone down the spice without losing flavor.

Can I make the batter gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or even chickpea flour. Just watch the consistency of the batter; you might need to adjust the water slightly to keep it perfect for coating.

What dips go best with buffalo cauliflower?

Classic blue cheese and ranch dressings are crowd-pleasers, but feel free to get creative with vegan ranch, tahini-based dips, or even a cooling yogurt cucumber sauce for a fresh contrast to the spicy florets.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about the crunch of perfectly cooked buffalo cauliflower paired with that irresistible spicy sauce, and this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe brings it all to your plate effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a snack, or a special treat for yourself, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and watch this tasty dish disappear fast!