Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

Get ready for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, a crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious snack ready in just 20 minutes! This healthier take on a classic wing flavor is perfect for game day or a quick appetizer. For more easy party food ideas, try the Cheesy Sausage & Bacon Baked Dip Recipe or the crowd-pleasing Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.

Ingredients

Get ready for a crave-worthy snack with crispy, golden florets coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that packs a flavorful punch.

• 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
• Cooking spray (or oil mister)

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is ready in about 25 minutes, which is roughly 30% faster than similar oven-baked recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cauliflower

Cut one large head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Rinse the florets thoroughly and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy texture in your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.

Step 2 — Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of water or milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until a smooth, pancake-like batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still drip slowly.

Tip: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate fully.

Step 3 — Coat the Florets

Working in batches, add the dried cauliflower florets to the batter. Use a spoon or your hands to toss and coat each piece evenly, letting any excess batter drip back into the bowl. This step ensures every bite of your buffalo cauliflower is perfectly covered.

Step 4 — Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Air circulation is key for crispiness, so cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5 — First Air Fry Cycle

Cook the cauliflower at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the basket and carefully flip each floret using tongs. The coating should be set and starting to turn a light golden color at this stage.

Step 6 — Second Air Fry Cycle

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. Watch for doneness cues: the florets should be deeply golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7 — Toss in Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, mix ½ cup of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or vegan alternative in a large bowl. As soon as the cauliflower is done and still hot, immediately transfer it to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.

Tip: Tossing while hot helps the sauce adhere better and soak slightly into the crispy coating.

Step 8 — Serve Immediately

Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe right away while hot and crispy. Classic accompaniments include celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~120 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~15 g
Fat	~6 g
Fiber	~5 g
Sodium	~480 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some simple swaps to try.

• Chickpeas for Protein — Swap cauliflower for canned chickpeas (pat dry) to create a high-protein, fiber-rich version with a satisfying bite.
• Broccoli Florets for Lower-Carb — Use broccoli florets for a different veggie profile that’s equally crispy and packed with nutrients.
• Nutritional Yeast for Dairy-Free — Replace Parmesan in the coating with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
• Tamari for Gluten-Free — Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce in the buffalo sauce to keep the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Almond Flour for Lower-Carb Coating — Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a crispy, golden coating that’s lower in carbs.
• Avocado Oil Spray for Healthier Fat — Use avocado oil spray instead of olive oil for a high-smoke point, neutral-tasting crisp.
• Frank’s RedHot for Authentic Flavor — Stick with the classic Frank’s RedHot sauce to guarantee the traditional, tangy buffalo taste.
• Reduced-Sodium Hot Sauce for Low-Sodium — Choose a reduced-sodium hot sauce and skip added salt to significantly lower the sodium content.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a fiery appetizer or game-day snack with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Transform them into a satisfying vegetarian main by stuffing them into warm pita bread or tortillas with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Create a vibrant buffalo cauliflower bowl over a base of fluffy rice or quinoa, topped with shredded carrots, celery sticks, and a sprinkle of green onions.
• Pair them with classic wing accompaniments like crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the spicy, crispy florets.
• Turn them into a fun and shareable party platter alongside other air-fried favorites like zucchini fries or mozzarella sticks.
• For a hearty meal, pile the hot buffalo cauliflower on top of a fresh garden salad to add a spicy, protein-packed crunch.
• Serve them immediately after cooking for the best texture, as the crispy exterior can soften if left to sit for too long.

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for casual gatherings, Meatless Mondays, or whenever you crave that iconic spicy-savory flavor with a healthy twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Skipping the pre-cook or steam step, leading to a tough, chewy interior. Fix: Briefly steam or microwave florets for 3-4 minutes until just tender before coating.
• Mistake: Using a wet batter or too-thick coating that prevents crisping. Fix: Toss steamed-dry florets in a light, even layer of oil and cornstarch or flour first.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the air fryer basket, which steams the cauliflower. Fix: Cook in a single layer with space between pieces for optimal hot air circulation.
• Mistake: Adding the buffalo sauce before air frying, which causes burning and sogginess. Fix: Air fry the coated florets until crisp, then toss in sauce just before serving.
• Mistake: Not patting the cauliflower completely dry after washing or steaming. Fix: Use paper towels to thoroughly remove excess moisture; this is key for a crispy exterior.
• Mistake: Setting the temperature too low, resulting in soft, not crispy, results. Fix: Use a high heat (390°F–400°F) to quickly crisp the coating without overcooking.
• Mistake: Neglecting to shake or flip halfway through cooking. Fix: Gently shake the basket at the midway point to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Mistake: Using a sugary or thick bottled wing sauce that burns easily. Fix: Opt for a classic, vinegar-based hot sauce mixed with a little melted butter or oil.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without a cooling moment, making the cauliflower soggy fast. Fix: Let them rest for 2-3 minutes on a wire rack after saucing to help the coating set.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Let your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Spread cooled florets on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months to prevent clumping.
• Reheat: For best crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until hot. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. You can also use an oven or toaster oven.

The sauce may cause the cauliflower to soften slightly upon storage. For the crispiest leftovers, reheat without sauce and toss in fresh buffalo sauce after warming.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is the perfect crispy, spicy, and healthy snack or appetizer. It’s incredibly easy to make and delivers all the flavor you crave. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! For another great air fryer option, check out our Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower Wings Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the cauliflower florets and coat them in the batter ahead of time. For the best texture, air fry them just before serving. Reheating leftovers in the air fryer helps restore some crispiness.

How do I prevent the buffalo sauce from making the cauliflower soggy?

The key is to air fry the cauliflower until crispy first, then toss it in the buffalo sauce. Serving the sauce on the side for dipping is another great option to keep your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe perfectly crisp.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw and pat the florets completely dry first. Excess moisture from frozen cauliflower can prevent proper crisping in the air fryer. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.