Craving something spicy, crispy, and totally satisfying—without the meat? This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is your answer. With all the bold heat and crunch of buffalo wings but a lighter, plant-based twist, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a meatless main dish.
🥦 Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Cauliflower
- Crispy without deep frying
- Packed with bold, spicy flavor
- Simple ingredients
- Great for game day, parties, or weeknight snacking
- Naturally vegetarian and easily vegan
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for richness—use vegan butter to keep it dairy-free)
- Cooking spray
🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
1. Prep the Cauliflower
Chop the cauliflower into evenly sized florets. Uniform size ensures even cooking and crispiness.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Toss the florets in the batter until fully coated. Shake off any excess before placing in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket. Place cauliflower in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce
Mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter for extra flavor and richness.
6. Toss and Serve
Once crispy, toss the hot cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until well coated. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip, and celery or carrot sticks on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- Cut florets evenly to ensure every piece cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Add a sweet twist: Mix a bit of honey into the buffalo sauce to mellow the spice.
🍽️ How to Serve It
- As a party appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb snack
- Over salad for a spicy crunch
- Stuffed in sliders or wraps for a satisfying meal
🔄 Variations to Try
- BBQ Cauliflower: Swap the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Use a combo of sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Spicy Dry Rub: Dust florets with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika before air frying.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy.
📌 Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep ahead: Cut cauliflower and mix dry batter ingredients in advance.
- Store dry cauliflower in a container lined with a paper towel to keep moisture at bay.
- Make buffalo sauce early and store in the fridge.
🥄 Recipe Recap
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Whisk batter ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss florets in batter and shake off excess.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 mins, shaking halfway.
- Mix buffalo sauce and butter.
- Toss crispy florets in sauce and serve hot.
🔥 Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect solution when you’re craving something hot, crispy, and full of flavor—without the heaviness of traditional wings. Whether you’re entertaining guests, meal-prepping, or just indulging in a cozy night in, this spicy veggie favorite delivers.