Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Don’t be surprised if this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower disappears as fast as you make it! Crisp, golden, and perfectly spicy, this is one of those snacks that makes you forget all about traditional wings. I fell for it the very first time I tried it, and now I make it almost weekly — it’s seriously that crave-worthy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make killer Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, but don’t overlook any of them — every item brings something special, whether it’s crunch, color, or a hit of spicy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter!

• All-purpose flour: This gives the cauliflower a delicious, light crust that holds all the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
• Cornstarch: For extra crispiness! Cornstarch is the secret to that irresistibly crunchy exterior.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples add that savory, zesty backbone you don’t want to skip.
• Paprika: Smoked or sweet, paprika brings warmth and a beautiful golden hue.
• Sea salt: Essential for balancing the flavors and making those spices pop.
• Water: Just enough to make a thick, clingy batter that coats every floret.
• Cauliflower: The star! Try to cut even pieces so everything cooks at the same rate and gets crispy all over.
• Buffalo sauce: Adds that unmistakable fiery tang — brush on as much as your taste buds can handle.
• Vegan ranch (optional): Dipping makes everything more fun, and ranch helps tame the heat.

Variations

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is endlessly customizable, so you can play with the flavors, the heat level, or even swap out ingredients to fit your mood or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to shake things up!

• Gluten-Free: Sub in your go-to all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour so everyone can enjoy.
• Extra Spicy: Crank up the heat with a splash of hot sauce in the batter or use a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
• Switch up the Sauce: If buffalo isn’t your thing, try BBQ, teriyaki, or even a sweet chili sauce for a totally fresh spin.
• Bite-Sized Appetizers: Cut your cauliflower a little smaller and serve with toothpicks for the perfect party popper.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Mix Up the Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt in a large bowl. Pour in the water and whisk until everything is smooth and free of lumps — you want a thick, creamy batter that really clings to the cauliflower. This base is key to that golden, crispy crust!

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower

Add all your cauliflower florets to the bowl, and toss until every nook and cranny is generously coated. Don’t be shy — the batter helps lock in moisture, crisp up the edges, and gives the buffalo sauce something to cling to later on.

Step 3: Arrange & Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lift each battered floret, letting a bit of excess drip back into the bowl, and lay them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to soggy bites, so work in batches if needed. Air fry for 9 minutes — you’ll start to see edges turning irresistibly golden.

Step 4: Flip, Sauce & Finish

Gently flip your florets with a spatula, making sure you keep their crispy shell intact. Brush each piece with your favorite buffalo sauce, then pop everything back in the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes. The flavor intensifies, and so does the crunch!

Step 5: Sauce Again & Serve

When your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy and darkened at the edges, pull the basket and give every piece another brush or drizzle of buffalo sauce. That second hit of tangy heat is pure magic! If you love a cool dip, vegan ranch on the side is highly recommended.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

I love piling up a bowl of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower and showering it with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a little crumbled vegan blue cheese if I’m feeling extra. That extra flourish not only makes your plate look gorgeous, but adds the perfect contrast to all that spice.

Side Dishes

Make it a meal by serving with a cool, crisp side salad — classic celery sticks and carrot batons are non-negotiable for the buffalo experience! For something heartier, try alongside roasted sweet potatoes, baked potato wedges, or a big scoop of herby quinoa.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower skewered on sticks for party-style snacks, wrapped in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for spicy vegan tacos, or stacked high on a platter with tiny flags for game day bites. However you share them, expect lots of happy dunking and finger-licking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days and make an easy grab-and-go snack (hot or cold).

Freezing

For best results, freeze the cooked buffalo cauliflower on a baking sheet so they’re not touching, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just note, the texture will be a bit softer once thawed.

Reheating

To bring back their crispiness, reheat leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy — quick re-crisp in the air fryer or hot oven works wonders!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, fun, and unforgettable, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the recipe to try next. It’s guaranteed to bring the party — whether you’re snacking solo or serving a hungry crowd. Give it a go and let the spicy bites and happy crunching begin!

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