Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower has quickly become my go-to dish for a tasty and healthy snack. This recipe yields a deliciously crispy and spicy buffalo cauliflower made in the air fryer, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a meatless main course. The combination of cauliflower with buffalo sauce creates an irresistible flavor that satisfies my cravings for something bold and exciting. Let’s dive into this quick and easy way to make buffalo cauliflower that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This Buffalo Cauliflower Air Fryer Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick preparation: It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
- Healthy alternative: Enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings without the calories.
- Vegan-friendly: Perfect for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Great for parties: Serve it as an appetizer or snack at gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste with different hot sauces.
This dish is great for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier snack option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The air fryer method ensures that you get crispy bites without the excess oil found in traditional frying.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Gather these items:
- 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
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Step 5: Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Step 6: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Step 7: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Step 8: Once done, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately with dipping sauce and celery sticks.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the cauliflower is cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs to the batter.
- This dish is also great for meal prep; just reheat in the air fryer.
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This Buffalo Cauliflower Appetizer in Air Fryer can be served in various ways:
- Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Serve with celery sticks for a classic combination.
- Top with green onions or fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness, making it a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
The key is to ensure even coating on the florets and not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows for maximum airflow, resulting in crispy bites. Using a good quality buffalo sauce also enhances the flavor.
Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the battered cauliflower ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Air fry it just before serving for the best texture. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower?
Common mistakes include not preheating the air fryer and overcrowding the basket. Always let the air fryer heat up and cook in manageable batches for even cooking.
Variations of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower You Can Try
There are many ways to enjoy this dish:
- For a spicy air fried cauliflower, add cayenne pepper to the batter.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make it vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative.
With these variations, you can customize your dish to suit your dietary needs and preferences!
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa. You can also explore Homemade Tomato Sauce for a great addition to your meals.

For more information on the health benefits of cauliflower, you can visit Healthline.
PrintAir Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: 5 Ways to Enjoy Crispy Flavor
A deliciously crispy and spicy buffalo cauliflower made in the air fryer, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a meatless main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the battered florets in a single layer in the air fryer, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- While the cauliflower is cooking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once done, toss the cauliflower in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately with dipping sauce and celery sticks.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg









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