Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a crispy, spicy, and satisfying vegetarian appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a healthier weeknight snack. These cauliflower florets are lightly coated in seasoned batter, air-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy homemade buffalo sauce. It’s everything you love about classic buffalo wings—without the meat or the grease.

This recipe is easy to follow, comes together quickly, and uses simple pantry ingredients. You won’t miss the chicken at all, and even meat-lovers will go back for seconds. Serve them with cool ranch or blue cheese dip and fresh celery sticks for that classic buffalo experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier than traditional wings
• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Air fryer = less oil, less mess
• Super flavorful buffalo sauce
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Vegetarian, and easy to make vegan

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Ingredients

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower:

For the Cauliflower

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce

• ⅓ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for balance)

For Serving (Optional)

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Rinse and dry your cauliflower thoroughly, then cut it into evenly sized florets. Try to keep them bite-sized for even cooking and better crispiness in the air fryer.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick—enough to coat the florets without being too runny.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and gently toss to coat them evenly. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and let any excess batter drip off.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the basket or spray it with oil. Place the coated cauliflower in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, stir together the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, and maple syrup (if using). You can warm the sauce slightly on the stove or in the microwave to help it mix better.

Step 6: Toss in Buffalo Sauce

Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the top and gently toss until each piece is well coated.

Step 7: Optional Second Air Fry

For extra crispiness, return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 3–4 minutes. This helps set the sauce and gives them that perfect bite.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the buffalo cauliflower to a plate or platter. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and crunchy veggie sticks.

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Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the air fryer – This causes steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the batter – The batter helps create the base for the crispy texture. Don’t just toss in dry cauliflower.
• Too much sauce too soon – Toss the sauce after the first air fry, not before, or your cauliflower will get soggy.
• No oil spray – A light spray of oil ensures a crispy texture. Skipping this can lead to dry, uneven browning.
• Inconsistent floret size – Smaller florets will burn while larger ones stay undercooked. Cut them evenly.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just use a plant-based butter substitute in the buffalo sauce.

Can I bake instead of air fry?
You can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil briefly for crispiness.

Is it spicy?
It has a medium heat level from the hot sauce. You can use mild hot sauce or reduce the amount to tone it down.

What’s the best dipping sauce?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are both great. You can also try dairy-free or Greek yogurt-based dips.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh works best. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before coating and cooking.

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How to Store and Reheat

Storage:
Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.

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Recipe Notes

• You can double the buffalo sauce if you like them extra saucy.
• Use parchment liners or foil for easy cleanup in the air fryer.
• The maple syrup in the sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter if you like extra spice.
• These also make a great filling for wraps or tacos.

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Final Bites

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tangy heat Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a game-changer whether you’re meat-free or just looking for a lighter option. With minimal ingredients and quick cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or anytime you’re craving something bold and satisfying. Once you try it, you might never go back to wings again.

Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables or just want a crowd-pleasing snack, these air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites are always a hit.