Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly delicious, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is the ultimate guilt-free snack or appetizer! Made with fresh cauliflower florets, a light and crispy batter, and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional wings. Perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick weeknight treat, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a vegetarian, health enthusiast, or just craving something tasty, this recipe is sure to become a favorite! If you enjoy crispy cauliflower, you might also love this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower—a deliciously cheesy and garlicky alternative.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick snack, or want a tasty side dish, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Healthier than traditional wings! Craving the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings but want a lighter option? This recipe uses cauliflower instead of chicken, cutting down on calories and fat while still delivering that crave-worthy crunch.
Customizable spice level! Love it hot or prefer it mild? You’re in control! Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste buds, or pair it with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese for the perfect balance.
Easy to make with minimal cleanup! The air fryer does most of the work, giving you crispy cauliflower without the mess of deep frying. Plus, it’s a one-appliance recipe, so cleanup is a breeze.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly! This dish is a fantastic option for plant-based eaters or anyone looking to incorporate more veggies into their diet. It’s packed with flavor and texture, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.
With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold buffalo flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves spicy, savory snacks. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
While this recipe is simple, the combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes it unforgettable. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
Fresh cauliflower – the star of the show! Choose a firm, bright white head of cauliflower for the best results. Cut it into bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Flour and spices for the batter. A mix of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for dietary needs), garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt creates a light, flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Buffalo sauce – homemade or store-bought! The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce is what gives this dish its signature kick. You can use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own with hot sauce, melted butter (or vegan butter), and a splash of vinegar.
Optional dipping sauces. Ranch or blue cheese dressing is the classic pairing for buffalo flavors, but feel free to get creative with alternatives like garlic aioli, tahini sauce, or even a cooling yogurt dip. Need more inspiration? Check out our list of Best Dipping Sauces for Air Fryer Snacks for more delicious ideas!
Substitutions for dietary restrictions. This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but it’s also easy to make vegan or gluten-free. Use plant-based milk in the batter and ensure your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly. For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
SAM’S TIP: If you’re short on time, pre-cut cauliflower florets from the store work just as well. Just make sure they’re dry before coating them in the batter to ensure maximum crispiness!
This is just an overview of the ingredients and their roles in the recipe. For the full measurements and step-by-step instructions, keep scrolling!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cauliflower
Start by washing and drying a head of cauliflower thoroughly. Cut it into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture – this is key for achieving that perfect crispiness!
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based). The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but not too heavy. Toss the florets in the batter until they’re evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Frying to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Want to take crispiness to the next level? Follow these expert tips on How to Get Extra Crispy Air Fryer Recipes! Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer, making sure the pieces aren’t touching. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Tossing in Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, prepare your buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter (or vegan butter) and a splash of vinegar. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large bowl and drizzle the buffalo sauce over the top. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower immediately while it’s hot and crispy! Pair it with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and add celery sticks or carrot slices for a classic touch. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course when served with a side salad or grains.
OUR TIP: For extra crispiness, spray the battered cauliflower lightly with cooking oil before air frying. This helps the coating get golden and crunchy without needing to deep fry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen cauliflower, thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the batter sticks well and the cauliflower gets crispy in the air fryer.
How do I prevent soggy cauliflower?
The key to avoiding soggy cauliflower is to make sure the florets are completely dry before coating them in batter. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
Can I bake this instead of air frying?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy as the air-fried version, but it’s still delicious!
How long does it stay crispy?
For the best texture, serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter in the batter and sauce for a vegan version. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Always check your buffalo sauce ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
OUR TIP: If you’re serving this at a party, keep the buffalo sauce on the side and let guests toss their own cauliflower. This keeps it crispy longer and allows everyone to adjust the spice level to their liking!
Enjoy!
There you have it – a crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or fun gatherings.
Let’s cook together!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more tasty ideas, tips, and updates. Share your creations with me on social media – I’d love to see how your buffalo cauliflower turns out!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional wings. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or meals, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
-
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
-
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
-
2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
-
Cooking spray
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and milk to create the batter.
Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer, ensuring the pieces aren’t touching.
Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the battered cauliflower with cooking oil before air frying.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower