Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ cup water; 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, broken into large florets); Buffalo Sauce (for brushing); Vegan Ranch (for dipping, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that’s spicy, crispy, and completely irresistible, then you absolutely must try this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. The cauliflower florets get coated in a flavorful, seasoned batter and then air-fried to golden perfection with that classic buffalo tang. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy a plant-based twist on traditional buffalo wings, delivering big flavor with a guilt-free crunch. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this dish promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays its part—flour and cornstarch for that perfect crispy coating, spices to amp up the savory notes, and fresh cauliflower that soaks up all that delicious buffalo sauce.

⅔ cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the batter, giving that crispy coating its structure.
¼ cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and helps the batter stick just right.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth of flavor that complements the heat.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle aromatic sweetness to balance the spices.
1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth and a hint of color to the batter.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes everything pop.
¾ cup water: Hydrates the batter, creating that perfect consistency for coating.
1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds, broken into large florets): The star ingredient, crisped to perfection in the air fryer.
Buffalo Sauce (for brushing): Essential for that tangy, spicy buffalo flare that makes this dish shine.
Vegan Ranch (for dipping, optional): A creamy and cooling dip to balance the heat.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Batter

Start by heating your air fryer to 400°F, so it’s ready to crisp the cauliflower as soon as you’re done prepping. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly add water and whisk until you get a smooth batter. This breathes life into the coating, ensuring each floret has a flavorful, crispy shell once cooked.

Step 2: Coat the Cauliflower Florets

Take your broken-down cauliflower florets and toss them into the batter. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Then, lift each floret out carefully, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl—this avoids clumps and makes for a lighter crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd, so the hot air can circulate freely and crisp up the edges nicely. Cook for 9 minutes, then gently flip each floret with a spatula. Brush generously with buffalo sauce, then air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes until the florets are golden, darkened at the edges, and irresistibly crispy.

Step 4: Final Buffalo Sauce Brush and Serve

Once cooked, give your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower one last brush of buffalo sauce for an extra kick. This step is key to intensifying the flavor and creating that classic sticky, spicy coating we all love. If you have some vegan ranch or your favorite dip on hand, don’t hesitate to serve it alongside for that cool contrast.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower to a whole new level. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a bright herbal touch. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also add a refreshing zing that balances the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Think celery sticks and carrot rounds for a classic buffalo wing vibe. You can also serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even some cooling cucumber salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next gathering, try serving your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower on a platter with colorful veggie sticks arranged around it for a vibrant presentation. Stuff them into wraps or pita pockets with lettuce and ranch for a portable party snack. Delicious, versatile, and visually inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the crispiness may soften, but the flavors will still delight when reheated properly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents clumping and keeps the florets crispy upon reheating. Frozen cauliflower is best used within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat and regain that satisfying crunch is to pop your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crisp coating and warms the buffalo sauce without making it soggy—trust me, well worth the extra step!

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for regular buffalo wings?

This particular recipe is designed specifically for cauliflower, which has a different texture than chicken wings. While you could try coating wings in a similar batter, cooking times and methods will differ.

Is the batter gluten-free?

The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep the cornstarch for that extra crispiness.

What type of buffalo sauce is best to use?

Feel free to use your favorite bottled buffalo sauce or make your own from scratch using hot sauce and vegan butter/margarine. The key is having that signature balance of heat and tanginess.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe as shared is vegan-friendly, especially if you serve it with a vegan ranch dip. Just double-check your buffalo sauce if buying pre-made, as some brands contain dairy.

Why air fry instead of oven baking?

The air fryer crisps the cauliflower faster and with less oil, giving you a perfectly crunchy texture that’s harder to achieve in a traditional oven. Plus, it’s convenient and saves time.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a game changer for anyone looking to enjoy bold, spicy flavors without the heaviness of traditional fried fare. Crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, it’s perfect for casual snacking or serving up at your next get-together. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with this veggie-packed twist on buffalo wings!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 30 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Crispy, spicy, and tangy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a perfect vegan appetizer or snack. Coated in a flavorful batter and smothered in classic buffalo sauce, these cauliflower florets come out perfectly crisp without deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before cooking the cauliflower, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Slowly add the water while whisking to create a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture will coat the cauliflower and provide a crispy outer layer.
Coat Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and stir well to coat each piece evenly. Lift the florets out carefully, allowing excess batter to drip back into the bowl to avoid sogginess.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave space between the pieces to ensure even air circulation and crisping. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
First Air Fry: Air fry the cauliflower at 400°F for 9 minutes. This step partially cooks the florets and begins to set the batter.
Flip and Sauce: Remove the basket, carefully flip each floret using a spatula, and brush generously with buffalo sauce. This adds that classic spicy kick and flavor.
Second Air Fry: Return the cauliflower to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the florets turn dark golden and crispy around the edges.
Final Sauce and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the basket and brush with more buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
Adjust buffalo sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
Use vegan ranch or regular ranch dressing based on dietary needs.
For extra crispiness, let the coated cauliflower rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American