Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon melted butter; Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

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If you’ve ever wished for a spicy, crispy snack that’s also packed with veggie goodness, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to be your ultimate game-changer. Imagine bite-sized florets enveloped in a golden batter, drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, and crisped to perfection—all without deep frying. Whether you’re a devoted cauliflower fan or a buffalo sauce enthusiast, this dish delivers all the flavors and crunch you crave while keeping things hassle-free and healthier. It’s ideal for game day, gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to a zesty, satisfying bite!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how you don’t need a long, complicated ingredient list—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh cauliflower. Each item brings something wonderful to the final flavor, texture, or color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Cauliflower: The star of the show, offering a meaty texture that soaks up every bit of bold flavor.
All-purpose flour: Creates the base for a light, crispy batter; feel free to swap for gluten-free if needed.
Water: Helps make the batter smooth and easy to coat every floret thoroughly.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the buffalo kick.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness and boosts the stunning color.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle suggestion of heat and enhances the spicy profile.
Buffalo sauce: The signature zesty element—choose your preferred brand or heat level.
Melted butter: Balances the vinegar tang of the buffalo sauce for a rich, glossy coating.
Optional ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping and cooling off the heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cauliflower bites start crisping up as soon as they hit the basket and helps create that irresistible crunch we all love. While it heats, gather and chop your cauliflower so you’re ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This coating is the secret to that perfect bite—think light, flavorful, and just thick enough to cling to every floret.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, using a fork or tongs to make sure each piece is well-covered. Gently shake off any extra batter so they don’t clump together, and arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! A little space between pieces is what makes them extra crispy.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook the battered cauliflower for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden with slightly crispy edges. Trust your nose—it’ll let you know when that roasted aroma hits the air.

Step 5: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Once the air-fried cauliflower comes out, immediately toss them in this spicy, buttery sauce until they’re evenly coated and glistening.

Step 6: Final Blast in the Air Fryer

For ultimate flavor adhesion, pop the sauced-up florets back in the air fryer for another 3-4 minutes. This step helps the buffalo sauce caramelize and stick even better, locking in that fiery, craveable coating.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe straight away—ideally next to a bowl of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. The contrast of hot, spicy cauliflower with a cool dip is absolute perfection!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing adds both flavor and that eye-popping finishing touch. A little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions makes everything look extra inviting, while a dusting of extra smoked paprika elevates the color and smoky aroma. Don’t forget the drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and taming the heat!

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural star at gatherings, but it also shines alongside sides like crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh green salad. If you’re building a full plate, pair your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe with roasted potatoes, seasoned rice, or even a bowl of quinoa for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Stack the cauliflower on a platter with toothpicks for party bites, or pile them in lettuce cups for a crunchy, low-carb wrap. You can even serve them taco-style with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of ranch. The vivid colors and bold aroma guarantee these bites will disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (unlikely, but just in case!), let the cauliflower cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The key to keeping them tasty is preventing sogginess, so spread them out as much as possible.

Freezing

While freshly made is best, you can freeze cooked Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the texture as crisp as possible.

Reheating

To bring leftovers or frozen cauliflower back to life, reheat them in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before battering to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness.

Is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prep the batter and cauliflower ahead of time, storing them separately, then air fry and sauce right before serving for the freshest flavor and crunch.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or rice flour, and double-check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free as well. The results will be every bit as delicious!

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

I recommend a classic-style buffalo sauce that balances tanginess and heat. Feel free to experiment with mild or extra hot varieties, depending on your spice preference.

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe vegan?

For a vegan spin, use a plant-based butter and make sure your buffalo sauce is dairy-free. The taste and texture will still be wonderfully bold and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe has stolen my heart for its spicy kick, irresistible crunch, and how blissfully easy it is to make. I can’t wait for you to share it with family or friends—or just savor it solo! Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with a new veggie classic.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free option

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Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a delicious and spicy vegetarian appetizer or side dish that is perfect for game day or any gathering. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in tangy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower:

1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets

Batter:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Buffalo Sauce:

3/4 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon melted butter

Optional:

Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a smooth batter.
Coat Cauliflower: Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, shaking off excess, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy.
Prepare Buffalo Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
Coat Cauliflower: Toss cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Return to Air Fryer: Return to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes to set the sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.