Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite. Crispy cauliflower bites get a flavorful buffalo sauce coating, making them spicy, tangy, and just a little bit crunchy. It’s a great way to enjoy veggies with a kick without needing to turn on the oven or deep fry anything.
I love making this when I want a snack or appetizer that feels a little special but is still easy to throw together. Using the air fryer means the cauliflower stays nice and crisp without soaking up too much oil, which is a win in my book. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe to customize the heat level if you’re not sure how spicy you want it to be.
My favorite way to serve these buffalo cauliflower bites is with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It really balances out the spicy sauce and brings everything together. I’ve found that these bites quickly become the star of any get-together or weeknight meal, especially when paired with celery sticks for a little crunch on the side.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is best for this recipe, broken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. If you want, broccoli florets can also work well and offer a different texture.
Flour & Batter: All-purpose flour helps create a nice crispy coating. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Buffalo Sauce: This adds the signature spicy tang. You can use store-bought or easily mix hot sauce with melted butter or vegan butter. For less heat, swap part of the hot sauce for honey or a milder sauce.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the sauce stick. Vegan butter is a great plant-based alternative without sacrificing flavor.
How Do I Get Crispy Battered Cauliflower in the Air Fryer?
The secret is balancing the batter and air frying technique so the cauliflower stays crispy, not soggy. Here’s how:
- Make a smooth, thick batter so it coats the florets well without dripping too much.
- Pat the battered cauliflower dry a little if the batter feels too wet, or let it rest briefly to thicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to get it hot—this helps form a crust quickly.
- Spray or brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking but avoid over-oiling.
- Arrange florets in a single layer, leaving space for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking to crisp all sides evenly.
- After tossing in buffalo sauce, return to the air fryer briefly to help the sauce set and avoid sogginess.
Following these tips will give your buffalo cauliflower a perfect crunchy outside and tender inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love using it because it crisps up the cauliflower quickly without much oil.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the batter and buffalo sauce, making everything easy to toss.
- Whisk – helps to mix the batter smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the batter and sauce proportions just right.
- Baking sheet or plate – to set the battered cauliflower before air frying.
- Cooking spray or oil – for the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and help crisping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try different hot sauces like sriracha or chipotle for varied heat and smoky flavor.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Mix in shredded cheese or crumbled blue cheese on top after cooking for added richness.
- Use nutritional yeast in the batter for a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cauliflower and Batter:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer basket
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter
For Serving and Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Altogether, expect roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, making this a quick and tasty snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower and Batter:
Wash and cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Pat them dry with a clean towel. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you get a smooth batter.
2. Coat the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Make sure they’re nicely covered but not dripping excessively.
3. Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer inside the basket. You might need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and crisp on the edges.
4. Toss with Buffalo Sauce and Finish Cooking:
While the cauliflower cooks, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. When the cauliflower is ready, transfer it to the sauce bowl and toss gently so each floret is well coated. Place the sauced cauliflower back into the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes to set the sauce and keep it crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the buffalo cauliflower to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like, and serve it alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing with celery and carrot sticks for the perfect spicy, crunchy snack or appetizer.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the cauliflower well before battering. Excess moisture can make the batter soggy and prevent crispiness, so pat the florets dry before coating.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter or omit the butter entirely and toss the cauliflower directly in your favorite vegan buffalo sauce. The batter is naturally vegan if you use water and flour.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
To make it milder, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of honey or maple syrup. For extra heat, add more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter or sauce.
