Hey y'all! If you love bold flavors and crave a snack that's both healthy and satisfyingly crunchy, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is just what you need. It's the perfect spicy appetizer for game day, a quick weeknight bite, or your next party spread. The cauliflower comes out tender on the inside with a golden, crispy coating and just the right amount of zesty Buffalo kick. Ready to turn up the heat? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Super crispy texture without deep-frying, thanks to the air fryer!
- Easy, quick, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect vegetarian snack or side for parties, game day, or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite sauces and spice levels.
- Satisfies spicy cravings without the guilt of fried wings.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 6 cups florets), cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup Buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (or use vegan butter)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower
Wash and dry the cauliflower head. Cut it into evenly-sized florets for even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until each floret is well coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer (work in batches if needed), and air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the Buffalo sauce and melted butter. Gently toss the air fried cauliflower in the sauce until well coated.
Step 6: Final Air Fry (Optional for Extra Crisp)
Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 2-3 minutes at 400°F for extra crispy, sticky wings-likeness.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—work in batches for the crispiest results.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute rice flour or a gluten-free blend. Learn more about flour substitutions.
- Adjust the Buffalo sauce for milder or hotter cauliflower bites.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Variations
- BBQ Cauliflower Bites: Swap Buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Asian-Inspired: Use teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a delicious flavor change.
- Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower: After saucing, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a dairy-free alternative, then air fry 2 additional minutes.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Air Fryer (at least 4 quart capacity recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Kitchen tongs or spatula
- Cooking spray
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become mushy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Pair with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo experience.
- Enjoy alongside a cold beer, sparkling water, or as a topping for salads and wraps.
Pro Tips for Best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Results
- Pat cauliflower very dry before battering for maximum crunch (see why drying matters).
- Shake the air fryer basket halfway to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Let the battered cauliflower sit for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better (more air fryer tips).
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower FAQ
- Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower without flour?
- Yes! You can use chickpea flour or skip the batter and just spray the florets with oil before air frying, though the texture will be lighter.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Absolutely—just use plant-based butter and double-check your Buffalo sauce for animal products.
- How do I keep Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower crispy for a party?
- Keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) on a baking rack until ready to serve and re-crisp briefly in the air fryer if needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15-18 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅔ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a smooth batter.
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3Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until evenly coated.
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4Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary.
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5Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.
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6In a small bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Toss the cooked cauliflower in the buffalo sauce mixture and air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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