Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a fantastic snack or side dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with spicy buffalo flavor. These little cauliflower bites get perfectly cooked in the air fryer, giving them a great crunch without the need for deep frying. Tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce, they’re a fun twist on traditional buffalo wings that even folks who usually avoid vegetables will enjoy.
I love making this recipe when I’m craving something spicy but want to keep things lighter. The air fryer makes it super easy and fast, and it keeps the cauliflower from getting soggy like in the oven. I usually double the batch because they disappear quickly around here! A little tip: serve them right after cooking for the best texture and heat.
These buffalo cauliflower bites are my go-to party appetizer or game day snack. I like to serve them with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and some crunchy celery sticks for a classic combo. They’re always a crowd-pleaser and a fun way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying that spicy snack craving.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh, firm cauliflower heads work best for a nice crunch. Avoid any with brown spots or soft areas. If you prefer, broccoli florets make a tasty alternative with a similar texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps the batter stick and crisp up. For gluten-free diets, use a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
Buffalo Sauce: Classic buffalo hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot shines here, offering that perfect tang and heat. You can control spice by mixing with more melted butter or swapping for a mild BBQ sauce to tone down heat.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the sauce stick. For dairy-free, vegan butter or a little olive oil works well to keep it smooth and tasty.
How Can You Get the Cauliflower Really Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Crispiness is key to making these buffalo bites delicious. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your air fryer properly before adding the cauliflower so the cooking starts immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—give each piece space so the air can circulate and crisp them evenly.
- Shaking or flipping the cauliflower halfway through cooking helps all sides get golden brown.
- After tossing with sauce, a quick extra air fry lets the coating set and get a little crispier again, even with the sauce on.
- If your batter feels too thick or thin, adjust flour or water slightly for a coating that sticks well but isn’t too gloopy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I find it makes the cauliflower crispy without frying in oil.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the batter and tossing the cauliflower.
- Whisk or spoon – helps blend the batter smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep everything precise for the batter and sauce.
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl – for melting butter and mixing with hot sauce.
- Tongs or spatula – to handle the cauliflower and toss it in the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Sweet and spicy: Mix in honey or maple syrup with hot sauce for a sweeter kick.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss cooked cauliflower with melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan instead of buffalo sauce.
- Extra crunch: Coat cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs mixed with spices before air frying for a crunchier exterior.
- Vegetable swap: Use broccoli florets or Brussels sprouts for different veggie flavors and textures.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cauliflower & Batter:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For The Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or vegan butter
For Serving & Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep plus 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. You’ll spend just a few easy steps coating, air frying, saucing, and crisping your cauliflower. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a spicy, crunchy snack or side ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make The Batter and Prep Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Dip each cauliflower floret in this batter, coating it completely, then shake off any extra.
2. Air Fry The Cauliflower:
Place battered florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding by working in batches if needed. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through to ensure even cooking, until the cauliflower turns crispy and golden brown.
3. Toss In Buffalo Sauce and Finish:
While the cauliflower cooks, melt butter and mix it with buffalo sauce in a small bowl or saucepan. Once cauliflower is done, toss it gently in this sauce until evenly coated. Return the sauced cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes. This helps set the sauce and keeps the coating crispy. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley, alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry completely before battering. Excess moisture can prevent the batter from sticking and make the cauliflower less crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Buffalo Cauliflower?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back some crispiness instead of microwaving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter, and double-check that your buffalo sauce is vegan-friendly. This keeps the flavor and texture delicious without any animal products.
What Can I Serve With Buffalo Cauliflower?
This pairs wonderfully with ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks for a classic wing-style combo. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a fuller meal.
