If you’re craving a spicy, crispy snack that doesn’t weigh you down, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is your new best friend. It takes simple cauliflower florets, wraps them in a flavorful, crunchy batter, and then air fries them to golden perfection before being generously coated in vibrant, tangy buffalo sauce. The result is a satisfying, guilt-free bite with that classic buffalo kick, perfect for game day, appetizers, or whenever you want a bold, vegan-friendly treat that even meat-eaters will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and this recipe keeps things straightforward yet impactful. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a crispy texture, layering flavor, and bringing that signature buffalo zing to life.
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of our batter that helps create a sturdy but light coating on each cauliflower floret.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and ensures the coating crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlicky warmth, balancing the heat to come.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the batter mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky undertone and a lovely hue to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the batter evenly.
- ¾ cup water: Bonds the dry ingredients into a smooth, dip-ready batter.
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds): The star ingredient – sturdy florets that crisp up just right when air fried.
- Buffalo Sauce: For that classic spicy glaze, coating the cauliflower in irresistible flavor.
- Vegan Ranch (optional): A creamy, cooling dip that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo bites.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. This ensures the cauliflower crisps up quickly, locking in all the flavor and creating that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water until smooth and lump-free. This batter is essential for wrapping each cauliflower floret in a crispy, flavorful coating.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets
Break your cauliflower into large florets, then dip each piece into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. The batter sticks nicely, setting the stage for a beautifully crunchy bite once air fried.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Arrange the coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding them will steam the cauliflower instead of crisping it. Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip each floret to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Add Buffalo Sauce and Finish Cooking
Brush each flipped floret generously with buffalo sauce, then return to the air fryer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This final stage crisps the coating and caramelizes the sauce slightly, locking in that irresistible buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Serve Up the Spicy Goodness
Remove the crispy cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with a little more buffalo sauce if you love extra heat, and serve immediately. Vegan ranch on the side adds that perfect creamy cool contrast to the spiciness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or celery leaves make an excellent visual pop and add a fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the bold buffalo sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also bring a subtle nuttiness and crunch that complements the texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe pairs wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks and baby carrots for dipping, or alongside a crisp green salad for a light, refreshing balance. For something heartier, a chilled quinoa salad or creamy coleslaw provides a lovely counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your buffalo cauliflower on mini slider buns with a dollop of vegan ranch for playful buffalo cauliflower sliders. Or transform them into a bold taco filling topped with fresh slaw and avocado slices. These ideas turn your dish from snack to main event in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that crispness, place paper towels inside the container to absorb excess moisture, helping maintain texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these spicy bites longer, flash freeze the cooked cauliflower on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for about 1 to 2 months and reheat quickly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible—it tends to soften the coating and make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that can handle battering and frying. Cornstarch already helps with crispiness, so the texture should remain delightful.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?
The heat level depends mainly on the buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer milder flavors, choose a mild buffalo sauce or mix in a bit of vegan ranch to tone down the spice.
Is it possible to bake this instead of air frying?
You can bake the cauliflower at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the air fryer will deliver a crispier, quicker result.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter fresh before coating so it stays smooth and doesn’t thicken too much. If needed, whisk it again before using.
What dipping sauces go well with buffalo cauliflower?
Vegan ranch is a classic choice but feel free to experiment with vegan blue cheese, a cooling cucumber yogurt dip, or even a tangy lime crema for a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to this vibrant Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe that brings spice, crunch, and wholesome goodness to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping up an appetizer for friends or just craving a crunchy snack with a kick, this recipe fits every occasion with ease and flavor. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!
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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a seasoned batter and air fried to perfection, these cauliflower florets are tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and served with optional vegan ranch for dipping. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for game day or any occasion.
Ingredients
Batter 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
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
- Buffalo Sauce, for brushing (amount as needed)
- Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F to get it ready for cooking the cauliflower.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for a crispy texture.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Arrange the coated florets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 9 minutes at 400°F.
- Flip and sauce: After 9 minutes, flip the florets, brush them with buffalo sauce, and continue air frying for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with more buffalo sauce if desired, and serve hot with vegan ranch dressing for dipping, if using.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the cauliflower to crisp up properly.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispy cauliflower, you can increase the air frying time slightly but monitor to prevent burning.
- Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this recipe gluten free.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
