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Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Category: Satisfying Vegetarian Meals

Enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a lighter plant-based form using cauliflower. By air frying battered florets, you get a golden, crispy exterior with a tender center while using less oil. Each piece is tossed in a fiery buffalo sauce blended with melted butter, ensuring every bite is packed with tangy heat. Serve immediately with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese and fresh celery sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. For extra crunch, air fry a little longer before adding the sauce. Leftovers store well and can be quickly reheated to maintain their crispiness.

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Updated on Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:42:02 GMT
A plate of food with a dipping sauce. Pin
A plate of food with a dipping sauce. | quickdinnerfix.com

Buffalo cauliflower is a go-to when craving something spicy and crispy that feels indulgent yet is secretly wholesome. The air fryer transforms humble cauliflower into golden bites bursting with flavor while skipping the grease and heaviness of fried wings. I started making this for game nights and now it is the most requested snack whenever friends come over.

It is the dish I turn to every time I want something comforting and crowd-pleasing but lighter than takeout I first put this together during a football playoff and ended up munching more cauliflower than wings

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower florets: Essential for that hearty texture that mimics chicken Select a firm head with tight florets for the best results
  • All-purpose flour: Gives the batter body and ensures crispiness Choose unbleached for a cleaner flavor
  • Water: Helps form a smooth batter
  • Garlic powder: Lends depth to the flavor Use fresh high-quality powder for the biggest punch
  • Onion powder: Adds a savory note Check freshness for maximum flavor
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness Spanish smoked paprika has the richest flavor
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste Sea salt is great for this
  • Black pepper: Adds just a kiss of heat Use freshly cracked for brightness
  • Buffalo sauce: Delivers the classic fiery kick Opt for your favorite brand or homemade
  • Unsalted butter: Balances heat and gives richness Go for high-quality unsalted
  • Cooking spray: Keeps the cauliflower from sticking and encourages crisping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower:
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces that are as close in size as possible This ensures every piece cooks at the same rate and nothing comes out soggy or overdone
Make the Batter:
Combine flour water garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper in a bowl Whisk until the batter is completely smooth It should feel thick enough to cling to your finger but run off in ribbons
Coat the Cauliflower:
Toss the cauliflower in the batter one piece at a time to ensure thorough coating Shake off any extra so the pieces do not clump together and the final texture stays crisp
Air Fry the Cauliflower:
Preheat your air fryer to a consistent 375 degrees for a few minutes so the first batch gets good heat Lightly mist the basket with cooking spray Layer in the coated florets with a bit of space between them Work in batches if needed Air fry about fourteen minutes shaking halfway through Each piece should look golden and crisp
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While cauliflower cooks melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the buffalo sauce This will help the sauce coat better and mellow the heat ever so slightly
Toss in Buffalo Sauce:
Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a bowl as soon as it comes out of the air fryer Pour on the buffalo sauce mixture and toss well so every nook is covered
Serve:
Buffalo cauliflower is best enjoyed hot with a side of cool creamy dip and maybe some fresh celery for crunch
A bowl of cauliflower with a dipping sauce. Pin
A bowl of cauliflower with a dipping sauce. | quickdinnerfix.com

It was the smoked paprika that changed the game for me It adds a subtle warmth that keeps everyone guessing what the secret ingredient is One bite and it is a favorite at every family gathering

Storage tips

Leftovers should be kept in a tightly closed container in the fridge for up to forty eight hours Reheat them in the air fryer for just a few minutes to bring back the crispiness Avoid microwaving as it will make the cauliflower soggy

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for everyone For a vegan twist use plant based butter and check that your buffalo sauce is dairy free Whole wheat flour is another option for added fiber

Serving suggestions

Serve as a party appetizer just like wings with ranch or blue cheese on the side They also work great tucked in tacos or piled on a grain bowl For extra freshness add chopped chives or green onions just before serving

A bowl of cauliflower with a spoon in it. Pin
A bowl of cauliflower with a spoon in it. | quickdinnerfix.com

Cultural context

Buffalo cauliflower reimagines the classic American buffalo wing This modern plant-based spin uses bold flavors and creative preparations to reinvent a sports bar staple Leading the way in the world of snackable comfort food it speaks to the vegetable forward shift in home kitchens everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve extra crispiness in the air fryer?

For extra crispiness, cook the battered cauliflower florets for an additional 2–3 minutes before tossing them with buffalo sauce.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?

Absolutely! Mix buffalo sauce with more melted butter for a milder flavor or add extra sauce for more heat.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with buffalo cauliflower?

Cooling dips like ranch, blue cheese, or even a simple yogurt sauce balance the spicy flavors beautifully.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place cooled bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore their crispiness.

→ Why cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets?

Uniform, smaller pieces ensure even cooking and allow each bite to be well-coated with sauce and batter.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative for similar results.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Tender cauliflower bites coated in spicy buffalo sauce, crisped to perfection in the air fryer for easy snacking.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min

Category: Vegetarian

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (Serves 4 as an appetizer or side)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 65 grams all-purpose flour
03 120 millilitres water
04 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
05 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
06 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
08 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Buffalo Coating

09 180 millilitres buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
10 15 grams unsalted butter, melted

→ Other

11 Cooking spray, for air fryer basket

Steps

Step 01

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring pieces are uniform for consistent cooking.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, pourable batter.

Step 03

Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, tossing until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess batter.

Step 04

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 05

Arrange battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the basket. Fry at 190°C for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 06

In a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce with melted butter and stir until fully integrated.

Step 07

Transfer cooked cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 08

Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce and celery sticks, if desired.

Notes

  1. Ensure all cauliflower florets are similar in size for even cooking.
  2. Adjust buffalo sauce quantity or add more melted butter to suit desired spice level.
  3. For extra crispiness, air fry the coated florets for an additional 2-3 minutes before tossing in buffalo sauce.
  4. Buffalo cauliflower can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side, and pairs well with cooling dips such as ranch or blue cheese.
  5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore texture.

Required Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl

Allergy Information

Double-check each ingredient to identify potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains milk (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbs: 22 g
  • Protein: 4 g