Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Craving that fiery, tangy, totally addictive flavor of buffalo wings—without the meat or the mess? You’re in for a treat with this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe! These golden bites are spicy, crispy, and every bit as satisfying as the classic, but packed with veggie goodness and ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how the simplest ingredients come together to create big, bold, crave-worthy flavor. Each component serves a purpose for that signature kick, perfect texture, and that unmistakable orange glow.

• Cauliflower: Fresh, large head cut into bite-sized florets—this veggie soaks up the flavor and delivers a satisfying bite.
• All Purpose Flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend): This is your batter base for crispiness, whether you’re making it classic or gluten-free.
• Water: Blends with the flour for a light, smooth batter to coat each floret evenly.
• Garlic Powder & Paprika: Add a savory kick and a pop of color that makes these “wings” totally irresistible.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Just enough to season the batter and balance the zingy sauce.
• Bottled Buffalo-Style Wing Sauce: Use your favorite brand (like Tessemae’s!) for just the right level of spice and tang.

Variations

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is endlessly customizable, so feel free to get creative! Whether you’re catering to specific diets or just love to experiment, there’s a tweak for everyone.

• Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose for wings everyone can enjoy.
• Spicy BBQ Cauliflower: Swap half the buffalo sauce with your favorite smoky barbecue sauce for a milder, tangy twist.
• Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower: Double check your buffalo sauce and serve with a dairy-free ranch or blue cheese for a fully plant-based snack.
• Kid-Friendly Mild: If you want less heat, simply pick a mild buffalo sauce or add a drizzle of honey to the final toss for sweet-heat vibes.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Prep and Chop the Cauliflower

Start by washing your cauliflower thoroughly, then trim and chop it into small, equal-sized florets—about 1 inch each is perfect. The more uniform your pieces, the more evenly your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower will cook (and the better the crisp factor!). Pat them dry to help the batter stick.

Step 2: Make the Savory Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Don’t be tempted to skip the spices—this is what creates that irresistible flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss until each piece is coated in the batter. It’s okay if things get a bit messy—just make sure the florets are well covered to guarantee that crispy, golden shell.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Lightly preheat your air fryer if needed. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches—but trust me, the extra bit of effort is well worth it for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Toss With Buffalo Sauce and Finish

Once crisp and lightly browned, transfer the cauliflower back to your mixing bowl. Drizzle with the buffalo-style wing sauce and gently toss to coat thoroughly. Return the florets to the air fryer (in a single layer again) and cook for 5–7 more minutes, checking around 5 minutes for your ideal level of crisp and caramelized heat.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to bring color and freshness to your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Classic accompaniments like cool celery and carrot sticks add crunch, and you can never go wrong with a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Side Dishes

Pair these spicy bites with a bright green salad, sweet potato fries, or even a crisp coleslaw to balance that tangy heat. They’re also fantastic as part of a game-day spread with sliders, guacamole, or a platter of grilled veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower into crowd-pleasing wraps with pita bread, leafy greens, and avocado, or top off grain bowls for a twist on the usual. For parties, skewer individual florets for bite-sized appetizers, or pile them high on a big platter with plenty of dipping sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower has cooled completely, slide any leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll stay tasty and are ready for a quick snack or next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze these, the texture will soften once thawed. If you do freeze them, arrange on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. For best flavor and crisp, enjoy freshly made or simply store in the fridge if you plan to eat them soon.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy, just-cooked texture, reheat the cauliflower in your air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to soften the crust and dull the flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s bursting with big flavor, I hope you’ll give Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower a try. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a spicy craving, make veggies exciting, or wow your friends and family—no matter the occasion. Enjoy every crispy, zesty bite!

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