If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with fiery flavor and satisfying crunch but also healthy and easy to make, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is an absolute game changer. It transforms humble cauliflower into spicy, crispy bites that perfectly balance heat and tenderness, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer or a cozy weeknight treat, these buffalo cauliflower florets will quickly become a much-loved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients here—each one is straightforward yet plays a crucial role in making the perfect buffalo cauliflower that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside while packing a punch of flavor.
- â…” cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the batter, helping the coating stick and crisp up beautifully.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Adds an extra crunch and helps the batter dry out so the coating isn’t soggy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a depth of savory flavor that balances the spiciness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the taste with a subtle aromatic sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Not only adds a smoky flavor but also gives a vibrant color to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons the cauliflower evenly.
- ¾ cup water: Creates the perfect batter consistency to coat the cauliflower.
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds): Cut into large florets to hold up nicely in the air fryer and soak up the batter and buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing: The signature spicy and tangy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
- Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional): Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the heat and complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, get your air fryer warmed up by setting it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a hot cooking environment that crisps the cauliflower perfectly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until the mixture is completely smooth. This batter is the secret to creating a light, crispy coating that holds onto flavor without feeling heavy or doughy.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Take your cauliflower florets and dunk them in the batter, making sure each piece is fully covered. This coating will become the crispy shell that makes every bite delightful.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding the basket will prevent crisping, so give each piece some breathing room. Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip each floret and brush with your buffalo sauce to infuse that signature spicy tang. Return to the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Final Sauce Brush and Serve
Remove the florets from the air fryer and give them one last generous brush with the buffalo sauce to amp up the flavor. Serve immediately and, if you like, pair with vegan ranch for a creamy, cooling dip that balances the heat beautifully.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens each bite. You can also toss in some sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch that complements the spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe pairs wonderfully with cooling sides like celery sticks, carrot batons, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic-infused quinoa to balance the bold buffalo heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these crispy bites in a hollowed-out baguette or wrap them inside warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and vegan ranch for an irresistible buffalo cauliflower wrap. Or pile them on a platter with other finger foods to make an impressive party spread everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy coating might soften a bit, but reheating will bring back some of that satisfyingly crunchy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the buffalo cauliflower, but to maintain the best texture, flash-freeze the coated florets on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-friendly bag. This prevents them from clumping together and keeps each piece crispier after reheating. Frozen cauliflower can be stored up to 2 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is right back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the crunchy coating and warms the cauliflower through without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for the batter?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends if you prefer. Just make sure the batter remains smooth and thick enough to coat the cauliflower properly.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is completely vegan, especially if you choose a vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dip, making it perfect for plant-based diets.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can control the intensity by choosing a mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce, customizing the recipe to your spice preference.
Can I bake the cauliflower instead of using an air fryer?
You can bake it in the oven, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes on a wire rack will produce a similar crispy effect, though the air fryer tends to be more efficient at getting that extra crunch.
What should I serve with buffalo cauliflower for a full meal?
Try pairing it with a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad and some crusty bread to round out your meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe enough. It’s quick, fun, and utterly delicious with just the right balance of spice and crunch. Whether you’re making it for a snack, a vegan appetizer, or a flavorful side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a crispy, flavorful, and healthier twist on classic buffalo wings, using cauliflower florets coated in a seasoned batter and air fried to perfection. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it delivers the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- â…” cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup water
For the Cauliflower
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
To Finish
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing
- Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature before cooking the cauliflower.
- Prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until a smooth batter forms.
- Coat the cauliflower. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring thorough coating to achieve a crispy crust when air fried.
- Air fry the cauliflower. Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking.
- Cook the first side. Air fry the cauliflower for 9 minutes at 400°F to start crisping the batter.
- Flip and sauce. Carefully flip the florets, brush them generously with buffalo sauce, then return them to the air fryer.
- Finish cooking. Air fry for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is crispy and cooked through.
- Serve. Remove the buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with more buffalo sauce for extra flavor, and serve warm with vegan ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Vegan ranch is optional but adds a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.
