Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and flavorful dish that’s a perfect plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. The cauliflower florets are tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a side dish, or a satisfying snack, this air fryer recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is not only healthy but also full of bold flavors. The air fryer gives the cauliflower a crisp, golden coating without the need for deep-frying, making it a lighter option than traditional buffalo wings. The buffalo sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and tang, while the cauliflower provides a tender, mild base that absorbs all the delicious flavors. It’s a great snack for game day, a perfect side dish for any meal, or a light appetizer for your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup water (or plant-based milk for a richer texture)

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they’re relatively even in size for uniform cooking.

3. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water (or plant-based milk) to create a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower florets but not too runny.

4. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, and place it in the air fryer basket. Make sure the florets are not overcrowded for the crispiest results. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

5. Air Fry: Air fry the battered cauliflower florets at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown.

6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat all the florets in the sauce.

7. Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or celery sticks for a true buffalo-style experience.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

• Total Time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

• Make it Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy texture, lightly spray the cauliflower with olive oil before air frying, or toss it in a small amount of oil before cooking.

• Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can use a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese dip to keep it entirely plant-based.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter for extra heat.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use chickpea flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make these cauliflower bites gluten-free.

• Sweet & Spicy: For a sweeter twist, mix a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with the buffalo sauce before tossing the cauliflower in it.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the cauliflower back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to restore its crispiness. You can also reheat it in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make buffalo cauliflower in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and golden.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is preferred for this recipe as it cooks more evenly and crisps up better in the air fryer. If using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

3. How do I make the buffalo sauce?

To make homemade buffalo sauce, simply combine 1/2 cup of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with 1/4 cup of melted butter or olive oil, and a pinch of garlic powder or cayenne for extra spice.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the battered cauliflower and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before air frying. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce just before serving.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! To make it spicier, use a hotter buffalo sauce or add a bit of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the batter or sauce.

6. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes! For a cheesy version, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the cauliflower and air fry for an extra few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting soggy?

Ensure the cauliflower florets are fully coated in the batter and that they have enough space in the air fryer basket to cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding to allow the hot air to circulate around the florets and make them crispy.

8. How long can I store buffalo cauliflower?

Buffalo cauliflower will last for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. For the best texture, reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispiness.

9. Can I use cauliflower rice instead of florets?

Cauliflower rice is not ideal for this recipe, as it won’t hold up the same way as florets. Stick with larger cauliflower florets for the best texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this with dipping sauces?

Absolutely! Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy aioli or sriracha mayo make great dipping sauces for these buffalo cauliflower bites.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a healthier, lighter twist on the classic buffalo wing, offering all the flavor and spice you love with a crispy, tender cauliflower base. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys bold flavors and a little heat. With its simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and versatility, this recipe is a must-try in your air fryer rotation. Enjoy!

Print