Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Crispy, Spicy & Addictively Good!
Craving buffalo wings but want a healthier, meat-free alternative? This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and totally satisfying! With a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender bite inside, these buffalo cauliflower bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Plus, they cook faster than traditional oven-baked versions, making them an easy go-to for any occasion.
My Experience with Buffalo Cauliflower
I used to make buffalo cauliflower in the oven, but I was always left waiting too long for them to crisp up properly. When I switched to the air fryer, it was a game-changer! Not only do they cook faster, but they also develop that crispy, restaurant-quality texture that makes them so irresistible. Tossing them in a homemade buffalo sauce right after air frying locks in the bold flavor while keeping them light and airy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy, Crunchy Texture – Perfectly air-fried for a crave-worthy crisp.
✔️ Bold Buffalo Flavor – Spicy, tangy, and loaded with heat!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!
✔️ Healthy Alternative to Wings – A great vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor.
✔️ Perfect for Game Day or Snacking – Great for parties, gatherings, or meal prep.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Find the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup water or milk (for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the cauliflower.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off. Then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder over low heat until combined.
- Toss & Serve: Transfer crispy cauliflower to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Best Dipping Sauces for Buffalo Cauliflower
These bites are delicious on their own but even better with:
- Ranch Dressing – The classic cooling dip for spicy flavors.
- Blue Cheese Dressing – A tangy, creamy pairing.
- Vegan Ranch – Dairy-free but just as delicious.
- Avocado Lime Sauce – For a fresh and zesty twist.
- Garlic Aioli – Adds an extra layer of savory richness.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Work in batches to ensure even crisping.
- For Extra Crispiness: Add a light spray of cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust the Heat Level: Want it spicier? Add cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter for vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
- Double the Batch: These disappear fast, so make extra!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make buffalo cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best fresh. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
Is buffalo cauliflower gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko for a GF version!
Can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?
Serve with celery sticks, carrots, or over a salad for a full meal.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just a fun weeknight snack, these cauliflower bites will quickly become a household favorite.
Give them a try, and I promise—you won’t even miss the wings! 🔥
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Crispy, Spicy & Easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
Craving buffalo wings but want a healthier, meat-free alternative? This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and totally satisfying! With a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender bite inside, these buffalo cauliflower bites are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Plus, they cook faster than traditional oven-baked versions, making them an easy go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup water or milk (for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is my go-to)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up while you prepare the cauliflower.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting excess drip off. Then coat with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and garlic powder over low heat until combined.
- Toss & Serve: Transfer crispy cauliflower to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
These bites are delicious on their own but even better with:
- Ranch Dressing – The classic cooling dip for spicy flavors.
- Blue Cheese Dressing – A tangy, creamy pairing.
- Vegan Ranch – Dairy-free but just as delicious.
- Avocado Lime Sauce – For a fresh and zesty twist.
- Garlic Aioli – Adds an extra layer of savory richness.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Cauliflower
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Work in batches to ensure even crisping.
- For Extra Crispiness: Add a light spray of cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust the Heat Level: Want it spicier? Add cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Make It Vegan: Swap butter for vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
- Double the Batch: These disappear fast, so make extra!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
