Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a crunchy, spicy treat that’s full of big flavor without the fuss. The cauliflower florets get crispy in the air fryer and then get a zesty buffalo sauce coating that’s just the right amount of heat. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic buffalo wing vibe with a veggie twist.
I love making this when I want something quick and satisfying but also a little lighter. The air fryer makes the cauliflower perfectly crispy without needing much oil, so it still feels like a treat without the extra grease. Plus, I find it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a party or snack time without anyone missing the wings.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks. It’s a fun combo that balances out the spice and adds a bit of crunch. Whenever I make this, it’s always a hit, and honestly, it’s one of those snacks I can’t stop eating once I start!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm cauliflower heads work best. Cut into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly. If you like, you can use broccoli instead for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps the batter stick and crisp up. For gluten-free, try rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Chickpea flour could add extra protein and a nutty flavor.
Buffalo wing sauce: This is where the heat and flavor come from. You can use any hot sauce mixed with melted butter or oil. For a milder taste, mix in a little honey or use a milder sauce.
Olive oil (optional): Adding a bit of oil helps the cauliflower crisp up nicely in the air fryer, but you can skip it for a lower-fat option. A light spray of oil also works well.
How Do You Get Crispy, Evenly Cooked Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crisp can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Cut florets evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat cauliflower thoroughly with batter but shake off excess before cooking.
- Don’t crowd the air fryer basket — give pieces room for hot air to circulate.
- Shake the basket or flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Use a little oil on the battered cauliflower for extra crunch.
Following these steps helps you get the right crisp and color without soggy spots or undercooked florets. And tossing the hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce right after cooking keeps the coating flavorful and fresh.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love it because it cooks the cauliflower evenly and gets really crispy without much oil.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the batter and tossing the cauliflower easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the batter and sauce just right.
- Silicone spatula or spoon – helps coat the cauliflower thoroughly.
- Serving platter – to present the cauliflower with celery sticks and dressing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use buffalo sauce with different levels of heat or add a splash of honey for sweetness.
- Try tossing in cooked, crumbled bacon or blue cheese crumbles after saucing for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the batter for more spice.
- Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha sauce for dipping.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower and Batter:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to help crispiness)
For The Sauce and Garnish:
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-18 minutes to cook in the air fryer. All together, you’ll be enjoying your delicious buffalo cauliflower in around 30 minutes. It’s a quick, easy dish perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter and Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the cauliflower florets and toss gently until each piece is well coated in the batter.
2. Cook the Cauliflower in the Air Fryer:
Optionally, toss the coated cauliflower with olive oil or spray lightly to help it crisp up. Place the cauliflower in a single layer in your air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
3. Sauce and Serve:
While the cauliflower cooks, warm your buffalo wing sauce gently. Once the florets are crispy and golden, toss them in the buffalo sauce until fully coated. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with fresh celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before coating with the batter. This helps keep the cauliflower crispy in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep them crispy, or use a microwave if you’re short on time (though they may get a bit softer).
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! To tone down the heat, mix a bit of honey or melted butter into your buffalo sauce. For more kick, add extra hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the batter.
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for Buffalo Cauliflower?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classics that complement the spicy flavors perfectly. You can also try a cooling cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy garlic aioli for a twist.
