Buffalo cauliflower has quickly become a superstar in the world of plant-based cooking — and for good reason. With its bold, spicy flavor, satisfying crunch, and hearty bite, this dish captures all the deliciousness of classic buffalo wings without the meat. Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve that irresistible crispy coating with far less oil and in a fraction of the time, making it a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a game-day appetizer, a satisfying side, or a crowd-pleasing meatless option, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower
- Crispy and flavorful: The air fryer gives you the perfect crunch without deep frying.
- Plant-based: Ideal for vegetarians, vegans (if you skip the butter), or anyone trying to eat more vegetables.
- Easy to make: Ready in about 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for entertaining: Serve as a fun appetizer or party snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice to your liking and pair with your favorite dips.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Cut your cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to dip later on.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to cling to each piece of cauliflower but still pourable.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently stir to coat every piece thoroughly. Shake off any excess batter to avoid clumps in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd (you may need to do this in batches).
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. This gives the sauce a slightly richer, classic wing flavor.
Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce
Once the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauces — ranch, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free dip for a vegan option. Add celery sticks and carrot sticks for a complete buffalo wing-style experience.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave space between the florets so hot air can circulate evenly.
- Work in batches: This helps maintain even crispiness.
- Adjust the spice: Use mild buffalo sauce if you prefer less heat or add extra hot sauce for more kick.
- Use parchment liners: Special perforated air fryer parchment liners can make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Serve fresh: Buffalo cauliflower is best served immediately while hot and crispy.
Variations
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter or skip the butter altogether in the buffalo sauce.
- Add a breadcrumb coating: Mix a bit of panko breadcrumbs with the batter for an even crunchier finish.
- Sweet & spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet heat flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Why This Recipe Works
Cauliflower has the perfect meaty texture to hold up to a crispy batter and absorb bold flavors. Air frying delivers a restaurant-quality crispness without the hassle and mess of deep frying, while the batter adds just the right amount of crunch. Tossing in buttery buffalo sauce ensures that every bite bursts with spicy, tangy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- With ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Alongside celery and carrot sticks
- On top of a salad for a spicy protein alternative
- Wrapped in warm tortillas for a fun buffalo cauliflower taco
- As a side dish for burgers or sandwiches
Perfect for These Occasions
- Game day parties
- Summer BBQs
- Weeknight dinners
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Meatless Monday
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, plant-based twist on classic buffalo wings, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is guaranteed to impress. Crispy, spicy, and endlessly customizable, it’s a guilt-free comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat.
From casual weeknight dinners to game day celebrations, this dish is always a hit — and thanks to the air fryer, it’s healthier and easier than ever. So grab your favorite buffalo sauce, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to enjoy a crunchy, flavor-packed treat that even meat-lovers will devour.
The Goods
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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Recipes
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut your cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets. This ensures even cooking and makes them easy to dip later on.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to cling to each piece of cauliflower but still pourable.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently stir to coat every piece thoroughly. Shake off any excess batter to avoid clumps in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd (you may need to do this in batches).
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- While the cauliflower is cooking, combine the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. This gives the sauce a slightly richer, classic wing flavor.
Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in Sauce
- Once the cauliflower is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cauliflower and toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauces — ranch, blue cheese, or even a dairy-free dip for a vegan option. Add celery sticks and carrot sticks for a complete buffalo wing-style experience.
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