If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, spicy, and totally addictive veggie snack, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender cauliflower bites, coated in a perfectly seasoned batter, air fried until crispy, then tossed in buttery, tangy buffalo sauce. It’s everything you love about classic buffalo wings, only lighter, plant-based, and super easy to whip up. Whether you’re planning a game day spread, a fun appetizer, or just craving a zesty snack, this recipe delivers all the bold flavor and crunch you crave—without any deep frying.

**Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe** Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples and some fresh cauliflower come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, crunch, and that signature buffalo bite everyone loves.

Cauliflower: The star of the show—choose a fresh, medium head and cut it into evenly sized florets for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps form a light, crispy coating that clings to every nook and cranny of the cauliflower.
Water: Combines with the flour to create a smooth batter, ensuring an even coating.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the batter.
Onion powder: Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the cauliflower.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the seasoning balanced.
Black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
Olive oil (optional): A light drizzle makes the coating extra golden and crispy—totally worth it!
Buffalo hot sauce: The unmistakable tangy heat that gives this dish its signature flair (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice).
Melted butter or vegan butter: Blends with the hot sauce for a rich, silky finish that clings to every bite.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Make the Batter

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. You want a smooth, pourable batter that will coat the cauliflower evenly. If you spot any lumps, keep whisking—they’ll disappear in no time!

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them gently in the batter, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This step is key for achieving that irresistible crunch once they hit the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up properly! Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are golden and crispy all over.

Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it straight from the air fryer into the bowl and toss gently to coat every piece in that dreamy, spicy sauce.

Step 5: Air Fry Again for Extra Crisp

Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer for another 3 to 5 minutes. This final blast helps set the sauce and adds another layer of crisp on the edges—don’t skip it!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe hot and fresh, with plenty of celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness. If you like a little extra zing, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of crumbled blue cheese on top.

Side Dishes

This spicy snack pairs perfectly with classic sidekicks like celery and carrot sticks, but it’s also fantastic alongside baked potato wedges, a crisp green salad, or even tucked into lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe in mini cups with a dollop of ranch at the bottom for easy dipping. Or, pile them high on a platter and let everyone dig in family-style. You can even stuff them into tacos or sliders for a unique game day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cauliflower may lose a little crispness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from the freezer for best texture—just know the coating may be a little softer after freezing.

Reheating

To bring back the crisp, pop the cauliflower back in the air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F. You can also use the oven, but avoid the microwave if you want to keep things crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. The results are just as crispy and delicious.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be! Use vegan butter in place of regular butter, and make sure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

Can I bake the cauliflower instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 25 to 30 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through. Finish under the broiler for extra crunch if you like.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Go with a mild version for less heat, or kick things up with an extra-hot sauce. You can also adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

What dips go best with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are always winners, but you can also try creamy avocado dip, vegan ranch, or even a cooling yogurt-based sauce for something different.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, if you haven’t tried this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe yet, now’s the time! It’s crispy, spicy, and so much fun to make and eat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or just treating yourself, give it a go—you might never look at cauliflower the same way again!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Crispy, spicy, and flavorful, these cauliflower bites are coated in a zesty buffalo sauce and perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a guilt-free appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for game days or party snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower Batter:

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crispier texture)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the batter.
Preheat and Air Fry Cauliflower: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket; if needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. The cauliflower should turn golden and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter (or vegan butter) in a large bowl. This will be the flavorful coating for the cauliflower.
Toss Cauliflower in Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked and crispy, transfer it immediately to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Gently toss the florets to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Final Air Fry: Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This step sets the sauce and crisps up the edges further for that perfect texture.
Serve: Serve your air fried buffalo cauliflower immediately with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce according to your preference.
To maintain extra crispiness, serve the cauliflower immediately after air frying.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Optionally add olive oil to the batter for an even crispier texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Appetizer or Side
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American