Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re craving something spicy, crispy, and downright addictive—with a veggie twist—Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is your new go-to. Each tender floret gets a golden, flavorful coating, then tossed in fiery buffalo sauce that delivers big wing-night vibes without any meat. This recipe takes everything you love about classic buffalo wings and gives it a lighter, easier spin, ideal for sharing at parties or simply for a fun weeknight snack. Whether you dip these saucy bites into creamy blue cheese or vegan ranch, the combination of crunch and heat will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower shine is how a handful of pantry staples can transform cauliflower into something wildly crave-worthy. Every ingredient here plays a role in flavor, texture, or color—making each bite a delight.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your batter, giving the cauliflower its signature crispy crust.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and keeps the coating light and irresistibly crisp.
• Garlic powder: Provides a mellow, savory depth that keeps each bite seriously flavorful.
• Onion powder: Teams up with garlic powder to boost the umami and round out the batter.
• Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smokiness—plus a dash of visual intrigue.
• Sea salt: Brings out the flavors in every ingredient so nothing falls flat.
• Water: Loosens the batter to the perfect consistency for an even coat.
• Cauliflower (about 2 pounds): Break it into large florets for the best texture—these are the stars of the show!
• Buffalo sauce: The zippy, spicy glaze that defines this dish. Go classic or opt for your favorite brand.
• Vegan ranch (optional): For cooling, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo hit—don’t skip it if you love to dip!

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and give it a few minutes to heat up. Preheating is key—starting with a hot basket ensures every cauliflower floret begins crisping immediately, which means no soggy spots and all crunch.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Pour in the water and whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This is the magic mixture that will envelop each cauliflower piece with flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add your cauliflower florets to the batter and gently stir to ensure every nook and cranny gets thoroughly coated. Lifting each piece out, allow the extra batter to drip back into the bowl to avoid any sogginess or pooling in the air fryer.

Step 4: Arrange in the Basket

Spread the battered florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so work in batches if you need to for the best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower results.

Step 5: First Fry

Air fry the florets for 9 minutes to set the batter and start the crisping process. Don’t peek too early—you’ll want the crust to develop undisturbed.

Step 6: Flip and Sauce

Carefully flip each floret using a spatula (they’ll be hot!), then brush with a generous layer of buffalo sauce. This first coating soaks into the crispy shell, amping up the flavor. Return them to the fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes, until edges are deep golden and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Pull the cauliflower from the air fryer and brush again with more buffalo sauce for that just-tossed, glossy finish. Serve immediately—with vegan ranch or blue cheese on the side if you like—so you get the hottest, crispiest Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower possible.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

Give your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower that extra something by showering with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. Crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of vegan ranch adds a cooling touch that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.

Side Dishes

This spicy snack pairs perfectly with classic celery sticks and carrot sticks for a satisfying crunch and refreshing contrast. You might also offer a simple green salad or roasted potato wedges for a more filling spread—any cool or creamy side will play well with the heat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game days, skewer individual florets and arrange them upright on a platter with dipping sauces in the center. Or, make a craveable buffalo cauliflower wrap by tucking these saucy bites into a tortilla with crunchy slaw and a swipe of ranch. The options are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Note that the coating will soften after storing, but all the spicy buffalo flavor will remain strong.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it isn’t ideal for maintaining a super crisp coating. If you do freeze, arrange cooled florets on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Expect the texture to soften, but the flavors will still come through after reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is in the air fryer itself—400°F for 5 minutes revives crisp edges nicely. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

How spicy is Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?

The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Most bottled sauces have a moderate heat, but you can always mix in a little honey, melted vegan butter, or extra hot sauce to customize it to your liking.

Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and be sure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, too. The cornstarch already helps with crispiness, so your results will still be deliciously crunchy.

What’s the best way to cut the cauliflower?

Break the cauliflower into large florets, about wing-sized. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly and develop the right texture in the air fryer.

How do I keep the coating from sticking to the air fryer?

Make sure to preheat your air fryer and lightly spray the basket with oil before adding the battered cauliflower. Resist moving them in the first few minutes, and flip carefully to keep the coating intact.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can easily double the ingredients, but it’s best to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This lets every piece get crispy and prevents soggy spots—perfect for party platters!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is the ultimate way to turn humble cauliflower into something worthy of any celebration—or just a flavorful, feel-good snack. Give it a try and you’ll see: it’s impossible to eat just one!

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