Buffalo Cauliflower has taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s easy to see why. This plant-based dish delivers all the bold flavors and satisfying crunch of buffalo wings but without the meat. Cauliflower, with its mild flavor and hearty texture, is the ideal vegetable to soak up that spicy buffalo sauce. And with the convenience of an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispiness in a fraction of the time and with a lot less oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and flavor. The cauliflower florets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in spicy buffalo sauce for the ultimate flavor bomb. It’s healthier than traditional buffalo wings but just as satisfying. With minimal oil and the magic of an air fryer, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time!

Ingredients

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

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup water

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:

1. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Make the Batter:

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.

Coat the Cauliflower:

3. Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.

Air Fry the Cauliflower:

4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

5. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.

6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

7. While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.

Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce:

8. Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.

Serve:

9. Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Notes

• Cauliflower Size: Cut the cauliflower into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking.

• Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice preference. For a milder version, mix the buffalo sauce with additional butter.

• Crispiness: For extra crispy cauliflower, you can air fry the coated cauliflower florets for an additional 2-3 minutes before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.

• Serving Suggestion: Buffalo cauliflower is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, and pairs well with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and pat it dry before battering to ensure it crisps up properly in the air fryer.

2. How spicy is this buffalo cauliflower?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, mix the buffalo sauce with more butter or choose a mild buffalo sauce.

3. Can I use a different type of sauce?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, you can use a different spicy sauce like sriracha or a barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

4. How do I make the buffalo sauce at home?

To make homemade buffalo sauce, simply combine ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with ¼ cup melted butter, and add a pinch of salt and garlic powder to taste.

5. Can I make these buffalo cauliflower florets in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, using an air fryer will give you a quicker, crispier result.

6. Can I make these buffalo cauliflower florets ahead of time?

For the best texture, it’s best to cook them fresh, but you can prepare the cauliflower and batter in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, air fry the battered cauliflower and toss in the buffalo sauce.

7. Can I make these buffalo cauliflower florets vegan?

Yes, to make the recipe vegan, simply use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure the buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly.

8. Can I add cheese to the buffalo cauliflower?

Yes! For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheese over the buffalo cauliflower during the last 2-3 minutes of air frying.

9. How do I know when the cauliflower is done?

The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can check by poking a fork through the florets to ensure they are tender inside.

10. Can I air fry other vegetables like this?

Absolutely! This method works well for other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts. Adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a game-changing recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors but wants a healthier alternative to buffalo wings. With its crispy texture and spicy, tangy buffalo sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things plant-based. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make in the air fryer! Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Enjoy the delicious, crispy crunch in every bite!