Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a tasty and spicy treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The cauliflower florets are tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, giving them that classic kick we all love, and then cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crunchy finish without all the extra oil.
I love making this dish because it’s a great way to enjoy something flavorful and a bit healthier than traditional buffalo wings. Plus, the air fryer makes it so quick and easy—no mess of deep frying, and cleanup is a breeze. I usually double the sauce because I can’t help but dip every bite!
My favorite way to serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks. It’s perfect for game day snacks or a fun appetizer when friends come over. I guarantee once you try this, it might just become your go-to whenever you want a spicy, crunchy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm heads work best. Cut into evenly sized florets for consistent cooking. If cauliflower isn’t your thing, broccoli florets can make a great substitute!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps the batter stick and crisp. For gluten-free options, try chickpea or rice flour. They add a nice texture too.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic with a good balance of heat and flavor. You can adjust heat by using milder sauce or adding extra hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Butter: Melted butter mixed into the sauce adds richness and helps the buffalo sauce cling to the cauliflower. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil.
How Can You Get Crispy Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
Getting the cauliflower crispy is key to this recipe. Here’s how to get it right every time:
- Coat the florets in a smooth batter that’s not too thick. This helps a nice crust form.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer with space between. Crowding traps steam and makes them soggy.
- Shake the basket halfway to ensure even air flow and crisping on all sides.
- After tossing in sauce, air fry a bit more. This step helps sauce set without losing crispiness.
By following these steps, you’ll get golden, crunchy bites with a spicy sauce coating. It’s all about balance—crispy outside and tender inside!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I find it perfect for getting the cauliflower crispy without oil splatters.
- Baking or mixing bowls – useful for mixing the batter and tossing the cauliflower with sauce.
- Whisk – helps combine the batter smoothly and evenly coat each piece.
- Spoon or tongs – makes turning and tossing the cauliflower easy and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try different sauces: swap buffalo sauce for sriracha or a honey mustard for a new flavor.
- Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the cauliflower before cooking for extra richness.
- Mix in chopped green onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon after cooking for fresh brightness.
- Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the batter for a spicier kick.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For The Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 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 prepare and around 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, including tossing and finishing steps. In total, you’ll spend roughly 30 minutes from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This will create a light batter to coat your cauliflower.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s completely coated. Let any extra batter drip off. This helps the coating stay on and get crispy in the air fryer.
3. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the coated florets in a single layer inside the basket, working in batches if needed. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so the cauliflower crisps evenly.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While the cauliflower cooks, mix together the buffalo hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl. This sauce brings that spicy, tangy flavor we love.
5. Toss and Finish Cooking:
When the cauliflower finishes cooking, transfer it to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until each piece is coated. Put the sauced cauliflower back in the air fryer for 5 more minutes. This makes the sauce stick well and keeps the crunch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve right away with celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Yum!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat the florets dry thoroughly before battering to prevent sogginess and ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm gently in the oven.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a vegan butter substitute or olive oil instead of butter, and check that your hot sauce is vegan-friendly. This keeps it tasty and plant-based.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Buffalo Cauliflower?
Serve with crunchy celery sticks and a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad or alongside your favorite grain bowl.
