If you love tangy, spicy snacks that are just as perfect for weeknight dinners as they are for game day, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is about to become your new go-to treat. These crispy, golden florets bring all the bold buffalo flavor you crave, without any deep frying or complicated prep. With a lightning-fast cook time and minimal cleanup, this recipe transforms humble cauliflower into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish that absolutely begs to be shared. Trust me, Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower hits all the right notes—crunchy, saucy, and packed with mouthwatering zest in every bite!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s really magical about Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how a handful of simple ingredients can work together to create major flavor and perfect crunch. Each component is essential—don’t be tempted to skip or swap, as each really brings something special to the dish!

All-purpose flour: This provides the essential body for the batter, ensuring your cauliflower gets that signature crunchy coating.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon for extra crispiness, making the bites light and shatteringly crunchy after air frying.
Garlic powder: Brings a savory warmth that gives the batter incredible depth.
Onion powder: Adds a background sweetness and aroma that makes the coating irresistible.
Paprika: Offers a smoky note and gorgeous red color, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
Sea salt: Pulls all the flavors together and subtly elevates the batter.
Water: The liquid that binds the batter, keeping it light and silky so it clings perfectly to each floret.
Cauliflower: The star of the show—choose a fresh, firm head for the best texture and bite.
Buffalo sauce: Essential for that fiery kick—use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal twist.
Vegan ranch (optional): Cool, creamy, and perfect for dipping your spicy masterpieces!

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you even think about batter or sauce, preheating your air fryer to 400°F is key. This quick blast of high heat ensures the battered cauliflower will start crisping up the instant it hits the basket, giving you unbeatable texture right from the first batch.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Grab a big bowl and whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sea salt. Pour in the water and whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This is your flavor foundation—make sure no floury pockets are left!

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Drop the cauliflower florets straight into the batter. Toss gently to coat every nook and cranny, ensuring each piece gets a satisfying layer of batter for maximum crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Air Fry in Batches

Carefully lift the battered florets out, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each one so the air can circulate and crisp everything up. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed!

Step 5: First Air Fry

Air fry the florets for 9 minutes. During this time, the coating sets and starts to develop that beautiful golden hue. Try not to peek too soon—you want a steady high temp for even crisping.

Step 6: Flip and Brush with Buffalo Sauce

After the first round, carefully flip the florets using a spatula and brush each with a good coating of buffalo sauce. Return them to the air fryer for another 5 to 10 minutes, until they’re crispy and darkened around the edges.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once out of the air fryer, brush with a little more buffalo sauce for that irresistible sheen and extra dose of flavor. If you like, serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with plenty of vegan ranch on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

This dish loves a little finishing flair! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the hot florets for a pop of color and herbal brightness. A few thinly sliced scallions also bring great crunch and a subtle oniony bite that pairs beautifully with the buffalo sauce. For a special touch, add a light pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving to highlight all those bold flavors.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower shines solo, but it also plays well with others. Serve alongside classic celery and carrot sticks for a nod to Buffalo wing tradition, or tuck them into a big, hearty salad with avocado, romaine, and more ranch dressing. They also make a spectacular filling for wraps and grain bowls—just add some cooked quinoa or rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, pile the florets high on a platter, drizzle liberally with buffalo sauce, and scatter with fresh herbs for an eye-catching centerpiece. Or, skewer individual florets onto bamboo sticks for easy grab-and-go snacks. If you’re really feeling playful, serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower as “tacos,” tucking them into warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw and a drizzle of tangy vegan ranch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the cauliflower cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The florets will soften over time, but the flavor remains fantastic—perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox treat!

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower isn’t recommended as the texture may become mushy after thawing. If you must, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag once solid. Expect them to lose some crisp once reheated, but they’ll still bring that zippy buffalo flavor.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, pop the florets back into the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. The oven works too—spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour blend. Double-check your buffalo sauce to ensure it’s gluten free as well. The results will be just as crispy and satisfying.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

While Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is best fresh, you can prep the batter and cut the cauliflower ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then coat and cook as needed for quick, fresh batches throughout the week.

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?

Fresh cauliflower is strongly recommended for the crispiest texture. If you use frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before coating in batter—otherwise, they may turn out soggy instead of crispy.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Use your favorite store-bought buffalo sauce, or make your own if you prefer more control over heat levels. Classic varieties with a tangy, cayenne-forward kick work best for authentic flavor.

Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?

No oil is needed for this recipe, as the batter and buffalo sauce provide plenty of moisture and richness. However, if you want extra golden crispiness, you can give the basket a very light spray with oil before air frying.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, you’ll see why this is a must-have in any snack or party spread! The combination of spicy sauce, crispy coating, and tender cauliflower is simply addictive. Don’t be surprised if this instantly becomes your favorite, most-requested air fryer dish—so grab some cauliflower and give it a whirl soon!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the spicy kick of Buffalo Cauliflower made easy in the air fryer. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – this plant-based dish is perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F.
Prepare the batter: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water in a bowl until smooth. Coat cauliflower in the batter.
Cook in the air fryer: Place cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 9 minutes, flip florets, brush with buffalo sauce, and air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes until crispy.
Serve: Brush with more buffalo sauce and enjoy with vegan ranch if desired.

Notes

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for best results.
Adjust buffalo sauce to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower, Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, Vegan Appetizer, Plant-Based Snack