Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Buffalo sauce adds bold flavor to just about anything, but when it meets crispy air-fried cauliflower, the result is irresistible. This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect combination of crispy, tender, spicy, and tangy. It’s a healthier take on classic comfort food, offering all the satisfaction of wings but made with vegetables.

This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal as a game-day snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. The cauliflower is lightly coated and air-fried to perfection, then tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce that packs a punch. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something fun and flavorful, this dish delivers.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Cauliflower: The star ingredient, turning a humble veggie into a crispy, flavor-packed snack.
• Buffalo sauce: A spicy, tangy sauce that coats the cauliflower in bold flavor.
• Flour and seasonings: Create a light coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

Directions

1. Prepare the cauliflower
   Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Make the batter
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Coat the cauliflower
   Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter.
4. Air fry the cauliflower
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the Buffalo sauce
   In a small bowl, mix the Buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil.
6. Toss and serve
   Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
7. Serve
   Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~120
• Fat: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the cauliflower in batches if necessary to ensure even crispiness.
• Adjust the spice level: Use a mild Buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey if you prefer less heat.
• Reheat for extra crispiness: If needed, reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to bring back the crunch.

FAQs

Can I bake this instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Bake the cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo cauliflower?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a vegan cashew-based dip are great options.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for the batter.
• Vegan: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter in the sauce.
• BBQ version: Swap Buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Buffalo sauce adds bold flavor to just about anything, but when it meets crispy air-fried cauliflower, the result is irresistible. This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect combination of crispy, tender, spicy, and tangy. It's a healthier take on classic comfort food, offering all the satisfaction of wings but made with vegetables.

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Equipment

• - Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• - Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

• - 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
• - 1/2 cup water
• - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
• - 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the cauliflower**
• Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
• **Make the batter**
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• **Coat the cauliflower**
• Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter.
• **Air fry the cauliflower**
• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• **Prepare the Buffalo sauce**
• In a small bowl, mix the Buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil.
• **Toss and serve**
• Once the cauliflower is crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
• **Serve**
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.