Get ready to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe—a crave-worthy snack that’s crispy on the outside, tender within, and fiery with bold buffalo flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a game day crowd, a weeknight dinner, or just answering the urge for something spicy and satisfying, you’ll love every zippy, saucy bite of this vegetarian favorite. Quick, healthy, and addictive, this recipe makes it easy to bring the excitement of classic buffalo wings to your table in veggie form!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is probably already in your pantry! Each ingredient shines here, adding flavor, crunch, or that signature buffalo zing to every bite. Let’s break down what you need and why you need it:

Cauliflower: The star of the show! Its firm florets hold the batter and sauce beautifully, and it becomes perfectly tender in the air fryer.
All-purpose flour: This creates a light, crisp coating that helps the buffalo sauce stick and gives the cauliflower a delicious crunch.
Garlic powder: Adds a layer of savory depth for extra flavor in every bite.
Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall seasoning.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a pop of color to the batter.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and adding the right amount of seasoning.
Water: Binds the batter to the cauliflower without making it heavy; easy to adjust for the perfect texture.
Buffalo sauce: The signature tangy, spicy backbone of this dish—use your favorite brand or a homemade version.
Melted butter (optional): Mixes with the buffalo sauce for extra richness and classic flavor—totally worth it if you want a true buffalo experience!
Cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking and helps the cauliflower crisp up beautifully.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Make the Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gradually add the water while whisking until you get a smooth, pourable batter that’s similar in thickness to pancake batter. If it feels too thick, just add a splash more water—easy!

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

Add your bite-sized cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them gently until each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoned batter. The goal is to cover every nook and cranny to make sure your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe turns out flavorful and crispy in every bite.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before adding anything to the basket, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. This helps start the cooking process hot and fast, guaranteeing a crispier result.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if you need to. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are golden and starting to crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, mix your buffalo sauce with the melted butter if you’d like a richer, silkier sauce. Simply whisk them together in a small bowl; this extra step is what gives your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe that classic wing flavor!

Step 6: Toss and Sauce

Once crispy, transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly—don’t be shy with the sauce!

Step 7: Crisp Again

Place the sauced cauliflower back in the air fryer for a final 3 to 5 minutes. This second round sets the sauce and gives the edges that irresistible, slightly caramelized crunch you’ll absolutely love.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches! A sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while a few crumbles of blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch make every bite extra special. Don’t forget crunchy celery sticks for that classic game-day vibe alongside your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair your fiery bites with cool, creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing for the perfect contrast. For a full appetizer spread, serve alongside carrot or cucumber sticks, or round out dinner plates with a fresh green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Pile your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe onto sliders with crisp lettuce, stuff them into tacos, or layer them over a hearty salad for a spicy, meatless twist. They’re even delicious as a pizza topping—just add after baking for peak crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While they’ll lose a bit of their initial crunch, they’ll still be packed with zesty flavor and make an awesome snack or quick lunch.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save extras, let the cooked cauliflower cool completely, then lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them for up to 2 months and reheat from frozen.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy magic, pop the cauliflower back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out almost as fresh and crunchy as the day you made them!

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and your battered cauliflower will fry up every bit as crisp and delicious. This hack makes the dish perfect for serving friends with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a lighter option.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy cauliflower?

If you’re after an even crunchier texture, try sprinkling panko breadcrumbs over the battered florets before air frying. You can also give each batch a light extra spray of oil for extra golden goodness.

How spicy is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

The heat totally depends on your choice of buffalo sauce! If you prefer a milder bite, opt for mild sauce or mix in a little more melted butter. For spice lovers, go bold with the hottest buffalo sauce you can handle.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

You can! Arrange your battered cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They may not be quite as crunchy as the air-fried version, but they’re still totally satisfying and delicious.

What’s the best way to keep these crispy if serving at a party?

Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe straight from the air fryer for maximum crunch, and keep batches warm in a low oven if you’re making a big batch for a crowd. Avoid covering them tightly with foil, which can trap moisture and soften the crispy coating.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is a go-to snack for so many—it’s quick, easy, and outrageously tasty! If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to classic wings or just need a new way to love your veggies, give this recipe a whirl. You just might find yourself making it again and again!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful and crispy appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for game day or a casual get-together. The cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned batter, air-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce for a delicious kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower:

1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

Batter:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup water (plus more as needed)

Buffalo Sauce:

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for richer flavor)
cooking spray

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Instructions

Batter Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually to form a smooth batter.
Coating Cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated.
Air Frying: Preheat air fryer, spray basket with cooking spray, and air fry battered cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sauce Tossing: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter, toss air-fried cauliflower in the sauce, and return to air fryer for an additional 3–5 minutes.
Serving: Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.