Sometimes, all you need is something bold and snackable to wake up your weeknight. The smell of buffalo sauce sizzling in the air fryer feels like a small victory. This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy, fiery, and unbelievably satisfying — proof that comfort food doesn’t need to come with guilt.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
You’ll love how fast this comes together. Ten minutes to prep, fifteen to cook, and you’ve got a spicy, golden plate ready to devour. The cauliflower turns light and crunchy, while the buffalo sauce clings to every bite with tangy heat. It’s a simple, plant-based alternative to wings that still hits all the right spots.
It’s also lighter than the deep-fried version, yet still full of flavor and crunch. Whether you’re snacking solo or feeding friends, this one’s always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium head 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
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- Cooking spray
Fresh cauliflower works best for crisp texture, but thawed and dried frozen florets can work in a pinch.
Ingredient Tips
Use your favorite buffalo sauce — mild or spicy. For less heat, mix in a bit of honey or extra butter.
If using frozen cauliflower, dry it thoroughly before coating so it crisps instead of steams.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Cut cauliflower into small, even florets.
- Whisk flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a smooth batter.
- Toss florets in the batter until coated, then shake off extra.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for three minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange florets in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
- Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter.
- Toss hot cauliflower in the buffalo mixture until coated.
- Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dip and crisp celery sticks.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispiness
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches if needed.
- Shake halfway for even browning.
- For an extra crunch, air fry 2–3 more minutes before tossing in sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dip and crunchy celery or carrot sticks. It also pairs beautifully with salads, rice bowls, or slider buns with coleslaw for a fun twist.
For another crunchy bite, check out my Crispy Pan-Fried Zucchini or Quick & Easy Air Fryer Hash Browns.
Variations to Try
- BBQ Cauliflower: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ.
- Asian Spicy: Try soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil.
- Dry Rub: Dust with cumin, chili powder, or paprika before cooking.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding causes sogginess.
- Using too much sauce makes it soggy too.
- Uneven cutting leads to inconsistent texture, so cut florets evenly.
Storing & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid the microwave since it makes them soft.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cut and store florets in a container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
Mix your dry batter ingredients in advance and whisk with water before use.
Toss with sauce only when ready to serve for the best crunch.
Health Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a low-calorie, nutrient-packed vegetable. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. This recipe gives you the kick of buffalo wings with a lighter, plant-based twist. You’ll feel satisfied without the heaviness of fried food.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower | Crispy & Amazing Snack
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, spicy, and satisfying, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower makes the perfect guilt-free snack or appetizer. Each bite delivers a light crunch, fiery buffalo flavor, and the comfort of classic wings — with a wholesome twist.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Cut cauliflower into small, uniform florets.
2. Whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until evenly coated, then shake off any excess.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes and spray the basket with cooking spray.
5. Arrange florets in a single layer and air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
6. Combine buffalo sauce with melted butter in a bowl.
7. Toss hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
For best texture, use fresh cauliflower. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry completely.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
Adjust the spice by adding more butter or a touch of honey to the buffalo sauce.
To make extra crispy, air fry 2–3 minutes longer before tossing in sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes to retain crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
More Such Recipes
If you loved this, you’ll enjoy:
- Sweet Cinnamon Air Fryer Banana Chips for a sweet snack
- Mexican Street Corn Salad for a bright, tangy side
- Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad for a cool, creamy pairing
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw it fully and pat dry before coating. Wet florets won’t crisp up properly.
How do I make it less spicy?
Add extra butter or a spoonful of honey to mellow the heat. You can also mix half buffalo and half BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower delivers everything you want — heat, crunch, and pure satisfaction. It’s simple, quick, and wholesome enough for any night of the week. Make a batch, grab your favorite dip, and enjoy a cozy, guilt-free bite of comfort.
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