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 bite-sized florets); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tbsp melted butter; Nonstick cooking spray

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If you’re looking for a spicy, crunchy snack that’s impossible to put down, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine bite-sized cauliflower with a crispy, golden coating, tossed in zesty buffalo sauce and perfectly air-fried for that iconic wing-level heat and crunch—there’s no guilt here, just flavor. Whether you’re planning a game day spread, searching for a vegetarian appetizer with a kick, or simply want a lighter take on buffalo wings, this recipe delivers big bold taste in every bite—right from your air fryer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples and fresh cauliflower into something extraordinary. Each ingredient brings its own punch, whether that’s a hit of heat, a layer of crunch, or a vibrant color that begs you to dig in.

Cauliflower: The main event—when cut into florets, it’s the perfect blank canvas for flavor and gets deliciously crisp in the air fryer.
All-purpose flour: This creates a light batter that helps the seasonings stick and gives the cauliflower bites their signature crunch.
Water: Used to whisk up a smooth, dippable batter that evenly coats every floret.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and a hint of garlicky warmth to every bite.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor, lending a subtle sweetness and umami note.
Paprika: Brightens both color and taste with a tiniest dash of smokey, peppery flair.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the bold heat.
Black pepper: Brings a gentle bite and builds a foundation of spice.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—tangy, spicy, and utterly craveable.
Melted butter: Mixed with the buffalo sauce, this adds richness and helps the sauce stick.
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for getting the florets crispy without sticking to the basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Make the Batter

Start by whisking together your flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. The batter should be smooth—think the consistency of pancake batter—so that it clings to the cauliflower without being runny. This is where all that savory flavor begins!

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

Drop your cauliflower florets into the batter and toss them thoroughly. Every little nook and cranny should be coated—this ensures you get maximum crunch and flavor in each bite. Don’t rush this step; give the florets a gentle turn or two so no pieces are left bare.

Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it heats up, lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray. This not only helps prevent sticking but also encourages the battered cauliflower to crisp up beautifully during cooking.

Step 4: First Air Fry

Arrange the coated florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; it’s better to cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket. This is the trick to getting all those edges golden and crunchy.

Step 5: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower is crisping, mix up your buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl. When the florets are done, transfer them to a clean bowl and toss them immediately with the spicy butter sauce, making sure every piece is totally covered for that authentic buffalo flavor.

Step 6: Second Air Fry for Extra Crisp

After saucing, return the cauliflower to the air fryer for another 3–5 minutes. This step locks in the sauce, gives the coating an extra crunch, and makes the flavor absolutely irresistible. Serve immediately while hot for best results!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe pop! Fresh chopped parsley or chives not only add color but also a bright, fresh bite. Don’t forget a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing and crisp celery sticks for classic buffalo appeal.

Side Dishes

For a fun party platter, pair your spicy cauliflower with other dips like creamy hummus, tzatziki, or guacamole. They’re also fantastic alongside fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple green salad to balance out the spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, skewer a few cauliflower bites and arrange them on a platter for a playful twist. Or, stuff them in lettuce cups with extra sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a mini “wing wrap” style snack. No matter how you serve them, watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The coating absorbs a bit of moisture as it sits, but a quick reheat revives their crispy edges.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these bites. Arrange cooled cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to one month but may lose some crispness after thawing.

Reheating

The air fryer is your friend here! Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warm and re-crisped. You can also use a hot oven; just spread out the florets on a tray and bake until sizzling and heated through again.

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and you’ll get the same crispy texture and flavor, just without the gluten.

Is this recipe very spicy?

This dish is as spicy as your buffalo sauce; for a milder appetizer, opt for a mild buffalo sauce. Prefer more heat? Add a dash of cayenne or use an extra-hot buffalo sauce!

What’s the best way to cut the cauliflower?

Chop your cauliflower into evenly sized, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking. Avoid giant pieces—they can turn soggy in the middle if they’re too big.

Can I double or triple the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just work in batches if needed so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Every piece needs room to crisp up for the best results.

Do I need to flip the cauliflower during air frying?

Instead of flipping individually, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through works wonderfully to ensure all sides get that gorgeous golden color.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe truly delivers everything you love about buffalo wings, just lighter and easier, without missing a beat on flavor or crunch. If you’re ready for a new favorite for parties, snacks, or even just a fun dinner at home, give these spicy cauliflower bites a whirl—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is a delicious vegetarian appetizer or game day snack that’s perfect for those who love a bit of heat. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower:

1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)

Batter:

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

Buffalo Sauce:

1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 tbsp melted butter
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Batter the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter.
Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray and arrange the cauliflower in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl.
Coat and Finish: Toss the cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce mixture. Return to the air fryer for 3–5 minutes for a crispy finish.
Serve: Enjoy hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.