AIR FRYER BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER!

I remember being a little skeptical the first time I heard about making buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer. Could it really deliver that same satisfying crunch and spicy kick as the deep-fried version? I was pleasantly surprised! Now, I’m hooked and I am confident you will be too. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Crispy & Quick you’ll ever make!

Get Ready for Crispy & Quick Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower!

Okay, my friend, let’s talk about something seriously delicious: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Crispy & Quick. This isn’t just another veggie side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly healthy (well, healthier than the traditionally fried version, anyway!), incredibly satisfying, and perfect for game day, a weeknight dinner, or even just a spicy snack. Forget boring cauliflower – we’re about to transform it into something truly extraordinary. I promise you, even the most ardent cauliflower skeptic will be converted after trying this recipe.

What I love most about this dish is how incredibly easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just a few simple steps, a handful of readily available ingredients, and your trusty air fryer, and you’re on your way to buffalo cauliflower bliss. Plus, clean-up is a breeze compared to deep-frying! Think of all the time you will save!

Why Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a Game Changer

So, what makes air fryer buffalo cauliflower so special? It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors. We’re talking:

• Crispy Exterior: The air fryer works its magic to create a beautifully golden-brown and crispy coating, without all the oil of traditional frying.
• Tender Interior: The cauliflower florets remain perfectly tender and cooked through.
• Tangy Buffalo Sauce: The spicy, tangy, and buttery buffalo sauce clings perfectly to the crispy cauliflower, delivering that classic buffalo wing flavor we all crave.
• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes!
• Healthier Option: Significantly lower in fat and calories than traditional fried buffalo wings, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower: Look for a firm head with tightly packed florets.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This helps create a crispy coating. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes color and a hint of smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk): Helps the batter adhere to the cauliflower.
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The key to that classic buffalo flavor! Adjust to your desired spice level.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the sauce cling to the cauliflower. You can substitute with a vegan butter alternative.
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Adds a tang that cuts through the richness of the butter.

That’s it! Pretty straightforward, right?

Step-by-Step Instructions: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets. You want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Wash and thoroughly dry the florets. Patting them dry with a paper towel helps ensure a crispier result.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure there are no lumps!
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth batter. It should be the consistency of pancake batter – not too thick, not too thin. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
4. Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each floret is well-covered. This is where the magic happens!
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
6. Air Fry the Cauliflower: Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the cauliflower will steam instead of crisping up. You may need to cook in batches.
7. Cook Time: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and white vinegar in a medium bowl.
9. Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is glistening with that delicious sauce.
10. Air Fry Again (Optional): For extra crispy cauliflower, return the buffalo-coated florets to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and sticky.
11. Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.

See? I told you it was easy!

Success Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Want to guarantee crispy, flavorful buffalo cauliflower every single time? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding prevents the air from circulating properly, resulting in steamed, not crispy, cauliflower. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Dry the Cauliflower Well: Excess moisture will prevent the batter from adhering properly and will result in soggy cauliflower. Pat the florets dry with paper towels before coating.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Not a fan of super spicy food? Use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cauliflower and high-quality hot sauce will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
• Preheat is Key: Don’t skip the preheating step! A hot air fryer is essential for achieving that crispy exterior.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be a buffalo cauliflower pro in no time!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for serving and customizing it:

• Dipping Sauces: As mentioned earlier, blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, and Greek yogurt are all fantastic choices. You could also try a creamy avocado dip or a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of extra hot sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Bowls: Create a complete meal by serving the buffalo cauliflower over a bed of rice or quinoa with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. It’s similar to the concept of BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS! but with a delicious vegetarian twist. You could also serve it in a bowl and take inspiration from Buffalo Chicken Bowls
• Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos: Stuff warm tortillas with buffalo cauliflower, shredded cabbage, and your favorite taco toppings for a fun and flavorful twist on taco night.
• Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza: Use the buffalo cauliflower as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. It’s a surprisingly delicious combination!
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Try serving these alongside other air-fried appetizers like AIR FRYER CHURRO BITES! or AIR FRYER FRIED PICKLES! for the ultimate party spread.

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and experiment with different flavors and combinations to create your own signature buffalo cauliflower dish.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Want to prep this recipe in advance? Here’s how:

• Cauliflower: You can cut the cauliflower into florets and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Batter: The batter can be made up to 2 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk well before using.
• Cooked Cauliflower: Leftover cooked buffalo cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up.

While the cauliflower is best served immediately for maximum crispiness, these make-ahead tips can save you time and effort on busy weeknights.

Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Here is the complete recipe, all in one place, for your convenience!

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
4. Add cauliflower florets to batter and toss to coat.
5. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and crispy.
7. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar.
8. Transfer cooked cauliflower to bowl with buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
9. (Optional) Air fry again for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Buffalo Cauliflower Craze!

So, there you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most incredible Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower – Crispy & Quick. I truly believe this recipe is a game-changer, offering a healthier, easier, and just as delicious alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Once you try it, I promise you’ll be hooked! So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to experience the magic of crispy, spicy, and utterly irresistible buffalo cauliflower. You won’t regret it!

Lady Maria

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe delivers crispy, tangy, and flavorful cauliflower florets without the guilt of deep-frying. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthier version of buffalo wings, perfect as a snack, side dish, or vegetarian meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• Optional: Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, for serving

Equipment

• air fryer
• Large bowl
• medium bowl
• whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• paper towels
• tongs
• knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, creating a batter with the consistency of pancake batter.
4. Add cauliflower florets to batter and toss to coat evenly.
5. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
6. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
7. While cauliflower cooks, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and vinegar in a medium bowl.
8. Transfer cooked cauliflower to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss to coat.
9. For extra crispiness, return the buffalo-coated florets to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened and sticky (optional).
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cauliflower florets are thoroughly dried before coating with batter. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired spice level. Leftover cooked buffalo cauliflower can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up again. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.