Get ready to fall head over heels for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower—a bold, zesty, and satisfyingly crispy dish that’s about to steal the show at your next gathering. Perfectly golden bites of cauliflower are coated in a spiced batter and crunchy panko, then transformed in the air fryer until irresistibly crisp. After a generous toss in buttery buffalo sauce, these flavorful morsels land on your plate ready to be dipped, shared, and completely devoured. Whether you’re serving them up for game day or as a lighter vegetarian main, you’ll be amazed at just how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower so special is the harmony of simple pantry ingredients working their magic together. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s adding crunch, heat, or a pop of color—to build those crave-worthy bites you’ll want to eat straight from the basket.
- Cauliflower florets: Fresh, bite-sized pieces become the perfect vehicle for holding all that spicy, savory flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base for the batter to help seasonings stick and gives each floret a sturdy coating.
- Water: Keeps the batter the right consistency so it easily clings to every nook and cranny.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and just a hint of earthiness for an irresistibly savory note.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness that balances out the tang of the buffalo sauce.
- Paprika: Offers a gentle smoky flavor and gives the batter a gorgeous golden hue.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing every bite.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that ultra-crisp exterior everyone craves.
- Buffalo sauce: Packs in the traditional spicy-tangy punch you expect from anything “buffalo style.”
- Melted butter: Mixed with the buffalo sauce for authentic richness and that silky, clingy texture.
- Cooking spray: Ensures a crisp and even golden crust on every piece.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: The must-have creamy dip that cools and balances the heat perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Start by cutting your cauliflower into bite-sized florets—the more uniform the pieces, the more evenly they’ll cook. This is where the fun begins, as you get a sneak peek at just how much this recipe transforms basic cauliflower into something truly special.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until you have a smooth, pourable batter. The key here is to whisk away any lumps for a thin coat that clings just right to each floret without being too thick.
Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll it in the panko until it’s fully coated. Taking the time to press the panko gently onto each piece guarantees maximum crunchiness in the air fryer, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket and give them a light spritz with cooking spray. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through to ensure even crisping. You’ll know they’re ready when the outsides are golden and the interiors are piping hot and tender.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is still hot, whisk together the buffalo sauce with melted butter. Working quickly, transfer the crispy florets to a large bowl and toss them in the sauce until every nook and cranny is coated with that fiery, buttery goodness. It’s the final kick of flavor that makes Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower so irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop the saucy, crispy cauliflower onto a platter and serve immediately with plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. The contrast between the hot, crunchy florets and the cool, creamy dip is pure magic—trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with finely chopped chives, parsley, or even a light dusting of crumbled blue cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon can also brighten up each bite, balancing the heat with a touch of acidity.
Side Dishes
Pair your buffalo cauliflower with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a simple green salad for a crunchy, cooling contrast. It’s also fantastic nestled beside potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or even tucked into a wrap with lettuce and extra dressing for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by threading the crispy florets onto skewers for a fun party appetizer, or pile them high in lettuce cups for a fresh take on buffalo “tacos.” If you’re feeling bold, layer them onto a platter with plant-based chicken for a show-stopping vegetarian wing board—perfect for game day or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower left (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within two days for optimal flavor and texture, although the coating will soften as they sit.
Freezing
While freshly made cauliflower is always best, you can freeze leftovers. Spread cooled pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Just be aware that the texture will soften once thawed, though they’ll still be tasty!
Reheating
To recapture some of that crispiness, reheat buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through. You can also use an oven, but steer clear of the microwave, which tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before battering. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from sticking properly and reduce crispiness.
How do I make my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower spicier?
For a fiery kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or opt for an extra-hot style buffalo sauce. You can also drizzle on additional hot sauce just before serving if you want to dial up the heat even more.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional version uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. However, you can easily swap these for gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free panko to make it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can still make incredible buffalo cauliflower in a conventional oven. Just arrange the battered and breaded florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist them with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Can I prepare Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower ahead of time?
You can bread the cauliflower a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a tray, but hold off on air frying and tossing with sauce until just before serving to keep them as crispy as possible.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll love diving into a plate of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as much as I do—whether you’re entertaining friends, whipping up a weeknight treat, or just satisfying a craving for something tangy and crunchy. Give it a try, and get ready to make this recipe a regular star in your snack rotation!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the spicy kick of these crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower bites, perfect for game day or as a tasty vegetarian appetizer. Coated in a flavorful batter and panko breadcrumbs, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower wings are a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients
Batter:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Buffalo Sauce:
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter
cooking spray
ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt to form a smooth batter.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, then roll in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Air fry: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Make the buffalo sauce: In a small bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Toss in sauce: Toss the cooked cauliflower in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use extra hot buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
- Best enjoyed immediately while crispy.
- Great as an appetizer, game day snack, or vegetarian main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
