If you have been hunting for a fiery, crispy snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to change your kitchen game forever. Each bite brings the perfect zing of buffalo sauce cloaked around tender cauliflower with a crispy, golden crust thanks to the magic of air frying. It is the ultimate go-to for game day, a quick snack, or whenever you want a little heat with your veggies. Plus, it’s delightfully simple, making it an addictively healthy alternative that even the most devoted meat-eaters can’t resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all you need to whip up this crave-worthy dish. Each component plays a crucial role: from the flour and cornstarch creating the crispy coating, to garlic and onion powder layering the flavor depth, while paprika and sea salt add subtle warmth and seasoning. The star, cauliflower, brings body and nutrition while buffalo sauce brings the signature heat that ties everything together.
- â…” cup all-purpose flour: This is essential for a light, crispy batter that sticks to each floret perfectly.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Helps add extra crunch and keeps the coating from becoming soggy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory note that enhances the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- ¾ cup water: Helps create the perfect consistency for the batter to coat the cauliflower.
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds): Broken into large florets, it’s the heart of this dish, delivering texture and nutrition.
- Buffalo sauce: For brushing on and delivering that zesty, tangy kick we all love.
- Vegan ranch (optional): A cool, creamy dipping sauce that beautifully cuts through the heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F. This ensures that when your coated cauliflower hits the basket, it gets that instant blast of heat needed for a perfect crispy crust. Preheating is key to achieving that coveted crunch without drying out the florets inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Coat the Cauliflower
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture not only clings brilliantly to the cauliflower but also infuses flavor right from the start. Next, toss the cauliflower florets in the batter to get them fully coated and ready for frying.
Step 3: Air Fry and Add Buffalo Sauce
Arrange the battered cauliflower in the air fryer basket in a single layer—it’s important they aren’t crowded so air can circulate freely for even cooking. Air fry for 9 minutes, then carefully flip each floret for an even crisp. Brush them generously with buffalo sauce, then return to the fryer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step crisps up the coating further and caramelizes the sauce for bold flavor.
Step 4: Final Brush and Serve
Once the cauliflower is golden and crispy, remove it from the fryer and brush on another layer of buffalo sauce for extra zing. Serve immediately with vegan ranch on the side if you enjoy a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy heat. This final touch elevates the dish, making every bite addictive.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can completely elevate your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. Bright green chopped scallions or fresh parsley add a welcome pop of color and herbaceous notes that balance the spicy buffalo heat. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing your buffalo cauliflower with crunchy celery sticks or carrot sticks makes for a classic combo that refreshes the palate. For a fuller meal, consider serving alongside a cool coleslaw or creamy mashed potatoes that mellow the spice while adding satisfying textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your buffalo cauliflower as a loaded appetizer by placing the florets atop a bed of shredded lettuce, drizzling extra ranch and buffalo sauce, and topping with diced red onions and tomatoes. Or, use them as a fiery filling for vegan tacos, paired with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime. This recipe is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum crispiness, avoid storing it while still warm and do not cover it tightly until it has cooled. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps each floret primed for reheating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cooked buffalo cauliflower by first freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers with that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crunch, reheat the cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy. A quick re-crisp in the air fryer brings back the irresistible texture and flavor you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different vegetable instead of cauliflower?
Absolutely! While cauliflower is ideal for its firmness and ability to soak up flavors, you can try this method with broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or even sliced zucchini for a different twist on the classic Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is naturally vegan if you use a vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. For gluten-free needs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.
How spicy is the final dish?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Most buffalo sauces offer a moderate kick, but you can adjust by choosing milder or hotter versions. Brushing extra sauce increases the heat, so you control the spice perfectly.
Can I make the batter thicker or thinner?
The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but smooth enough to drip slightly; if it’s too thick, add a little more water, and if too thin, add a little extra flour. This balance helps create the crispy outer layer that finals nicely in the air fryer.
Do I need to flip the cauliflower during cooking?
Yes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking ensures that they brown evenly on all sides and get crisp from every angle, making each bite satisfyingly crunchy.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about making and sharing this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for weeknights yet exciting enough for company, packing big flavor with minimal fuss. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for buffalo cauliflower as your go-to snack or appetizer more often than you’d expect. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful, and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Coated in a seasoned batter and air fried to perfection, these cauliflower florets are brushed with tangy buffalo sauce and served with optional vegan ranch for dipping. A perfect vegan appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- â…” 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 & Sauces
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
- Buffalo sauce, for brushing (about ½ cup)
- Vegan ranch, for dipping (optional, about ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature for crisping the battered cauliflower.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until you achieve a smooth, thick batter. This mixture will evenly coat the cauliflower and help create a crispy exterior.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure they are fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before arranging them in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- First Air Fry: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 9 minutes at 400°F to begin crisping the batter.
- Flip & Brush with Buffalo Sauce: After 9 minutes, carefully flip the florets to cook evenly on all sides. Brush them generously with buffalo sauce to infuse flavor.
- Second Air Fry: Air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cauliflower is crispy and golden brown, and the buffalo sauce has set slightly.
- Serve: Remove the crispy buffalo cauliflower from the air fryer, brush with extra buffalo sauce for added heat and flavor, and serve hot with vegan ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch if you require a gluten-free version.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Vegan ranch is optional but pairs perfectly to balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Cauliflower florets should be uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
