Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted; Cooking spray

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is your ticket to snack time bliss—think tender, crispy bites brushed with fiery buffalo flavor, golden and satisfying, but secretly veggie-forward. It tumbles together in under thirty minutes and proves that wholesome doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re prepping a game-day platter, looking for a new weeknight side, or simply craving something bold with a kick, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is how a handful of basic ingredients transform into unforgettably zesty finger food. Each one brings something important to the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe—spice, crunch, tang, or that perfect buttery richness.

Cauliflower: Use a fresh, medium head cut into even, bite-sized florets for crispiness in every bite.
All-purpose flour: This creates the essential coating that turns golden and holds onto the spicy sauce.
Water: Thins out the batter just enough to evenly coat without clumping.
Garlic powder: Lends depth and a warm savory background to the flavor profile.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall savoriness.
Smoked paprika: A pinch of this smoky spice brings color and complexity.
Salt: Brightens and balances every bite.
Black pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a gentle, peppery heat.
Buffalo sauce: The star of the show—store-bought or homemade, go as spicy or mild as you like.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed into the sauce for that classic, indulgent buffalo wing richness.
Cooking spray: A light coat in the air fryer basket keeps things perfectly non-stick and helps with browning.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

Start by chopping your cauliflower into bite-sized florets. The key is keeping them all as uniform as possible so they crisp up evenly in the air fryer. Too large and they’ll be tough to coat; too small and they might overcook. This is your only knife work for the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, so take a minute to get the right size.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. The batter should be velvety but thick enough to hug every cauliflower floret—if it’s too runny, add a splash of flour; too thick, a trickle more water. This spiced coating sets the stage for that signature crispy “crust.”

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Tumble the cauliflower florets into the batter and stir to ensure they are all completely enveloped. Gently shake off any excess before transferring each floret to the air fryer basket. You want them coated, not gloppy—this gives you a crisp finish without soggy spots.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, then a light spritz of cooking spray in the basket. Arrange your cauliflower in a single layer (crowding leads to steam, not crispiness), working in batches if needed. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket about halfway through, until each piece looks golden, crunchy, and irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower cooks, combine your buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl. This creamy, fiery blend is what gives the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe its signature kick and glossy sheen. Feel free to heat the sauce a little if you like it extra warm.

Step 6: Toss with Buffalo Sauce

Once the cauliflower is perfectly crisp, pop it into a big bowl and pour over the buffalo sauce mixture. Gently toss to coat every floret—don’t skimp! This is where all that signature flavor clings to those crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your buffalo cauliflower immediately, while it’s piping hot and at peak crispiness. Classic ranch or blue cheese on the side, plus celery sticks if you want that authentic, fresh crunch—dunk, bite, repeat!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

For presentation and flavor, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds freshness and color. If you’re a fan of bold, tangy flavors, a dusting of crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce on top won’t disappoint. A wedge of lemon on the side can really brighten things up too.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe plays well with a lot of favorites. Pair with classic carrot and celery sticks for a nod to buffalo wings or serve alongside a crisp salad to cut the heat. For heartier occasions, it’s delicious next to roasted potatoes or even tucked into a wrap for a fun lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your buffalo cauliflower into a showstopper appetizer by threading battered florets onto skewers for party bites or arrange them on a platter with assorted dips (think creamy ranch, herby yogurt sauce, or garlicky aioli). For a game-day twist, pile them high as the “nacho” base and top with more sauce, sliced scallions, and a handful of cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep in mind, the coating will soften as it sits, but a quick reheating can revive their crispness.

Freezing

While you can freeze the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, the texture does shift once thawed—it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, lay florets on a tray to prevent sticking, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Expect a slightly softer bite when reheated, but still all the flavor.

Reheating

For best results, pop the florets back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until hot and re-crisped. The oven also works in a pinch. Avoid microwaving, as that will just steam the coating and take away the crunch you worked so hard to create.

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and you’ll get the same crispy coating without missing a beat.

What kind of buffalo sauce should I use?

Choose your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce or try homemade if you enjoy adjusting the spiciness. Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but any variety you love will work beautifully in this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! You can bake the battered cauliflower in a hot oven at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, though they might not get quite as crispy as in the air fryer.

Is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe vegan?

As written, it contains butter, but simply swap in a plant-based butter for a totally vegan option. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-friendly, so it’s an easy switch.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, go for it! Just air fry in batches so you don’t crowd the basket—overlapping florets will steam and won’t get that coveted crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and friends alike, don’t wait to try this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. It’s the best kind of kitchen win—easy, quick, delicious, and a surefire hit for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make this new classic your own!