If you’re craving a spicy, crispy snack that’s both vibrant and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cauliflower florets get a fiery buffalo glaze that will satisfy your wings craving without any fuss or mess. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a healthy twist on a classic favorite, this recipe delivers that iconic kick with the magic of your air fryer, making it easier than ever to whip up a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all you need to make magic happen. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering texture, flavor, and that unmistakable buffalo tang, so you’ll want to have them ready before you start frying.
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter to help create a crisp coating on your cauliflower.
- ¼ cup cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and helps the batter stick beautifully to the florets.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and umami to the batter mix.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the coating.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the bite.
- ¾ cup water: The perfect amount to create a smooth, dippable batter consistency.
- 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), broken into large florets: The star ingredient that soaks up all the yumminess and crisps up just right.
- Buffalo Sauce, for brushing: Brings that iconic spicy, tangy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
- Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional): A cool, creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the heat.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This step ensures that your cauliflower gets that crispy texture right from the start, setting the stage for perfectly cooked bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and water until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This flavorful batter is crucial because it adds both crunch and the right amount of seasoning to the cauliflower.
Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower Florets
Dip each large cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. The batter helps the buffalo sauce stick beautifully later and ensures that every bite is full of flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower
Place the coated cauliflower florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer to promote even cooking. Air fry them for 9 minutes, then flip each floret carefully. Brush with buffalo sauce, and air fry for another 5 to 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Final Buffalo Sauce Brush and Serve
After removing the cauliflower from the air fryer, give them another generous brush of buffalo sauce for that extra kick and a glossy finish. Serve hot with a side of vegan ranch if you like a cooling dip to balance out the spice.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or finely chopped celery not only provides a crisp freshness but also enhances the overall presentation. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro can add a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with crisp celery sticks or a simple mixed green salad to balance the heat. You can also serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to add a comforting element to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, arrange the buffalo cauliflower on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like vegan ranch or blue cheese style dips. Alternatively, toss the crispy florets into a wrap or taco with fresh slaw for a fun handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating may soften a bit, but reheating will bring back some of the crispness.
Freezing
While fresh is best for crispiness, you can freeze cooked cauliflower by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month but are best reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer.
Reheating
To revive that crisp crunch, reheat your buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the coating crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as indicated. This keeps the batter light and crispy without gluten.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is naturally vegan especially when using vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dips. It’s a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
What brand of buffalo sauce do you recommend?
I love using authentic, tangy buffalo sauces that aren’t too overpowering in heat. Look for sauces made with vinegar and cayenne for that classic flavor. You can always mix your own hot sauce with vegan butter for a homemade touch.
Can I bake instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, but using the air fryer gives you that unbeatable crisp texture with less oil.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, try using potato starch or tapioca starch as a substitute. These also help create that light, crunchy coating that makes this recipe so memorable.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that makes you wonder how cauliflower ever got overlooked as a wing substitute. Crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious, it’s perfect for game days, snacks, or anytime you want a flavorful and healthier treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again—and sharing it with everyone you know!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 offers a crispy, flavorful twist on classic buffalo wings, making it a perfect vegan appetizer or snack. Coated in a seasoned batter and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, these cauliflower florets are air fried to golden perfection, delivering a healthy, guilt-free bite with all the tangy zest.
Ingredients
Batter
- 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
Main
- 1 head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, broken into large florets
- Buffalo Sauce, for brushing (approx. ½ cup)
- Vegan Ranch, for dipping (optional, about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the batter and cauliflower.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter that coats well.
- Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is thoroughly coated to ensure a crispy finish after frying.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking. Air fry them for 9 minutes.
- Flip and sauce: Carefully flip the florets, brush them generously with buffalo sauce, and then continue air frying for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Final touch and serve: Remove the cauliflower from the air fryer, brush once more with buffalo sauce for extra flavor, and serve hot with vegan ranch dip if desired for a deliciously spicy and creamy contrast.
Notes
- For extra crispy cauliflower, make sure to coat each floret evenly with the batter and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- If you prefer less heat, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste or use a milder sauce.
- You can prepare the vegan ranch ahead of time or purchase it ready-made for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
