This crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower delivers all the bold, spicy satisfaction of classic wings but in a lighter, plant-based package. Ready in just 20 minutes, these golden-brown florets pack the perfect amount of heat and tangy buffalo flavor while keeping things deliciously wholesome.
With only 172 calories per serving and packed with vitamin C, this crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish proves that healthy alternatives can be absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredients Needed
- Cauliflower: 1 head, cut into bite-sized florets (4-5 cups total)
- Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted, melted for coating
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup for that perfect spicy kick
- Flour Mixture: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp each of kosher salt and black pepper
- For Serving: Fresh carrot and celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Cauliflower: Place fresh florets in a large bowl and set aside for coating
- Make Buffalo Coating: Melt butter and whisk with buffalo sauce until smooth and well combined
- Season Cauliflower: Pour buffalo mixture over florets and toss until evenly coated
- Create Coating Mix: Combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl
- Flour Coating: Sprinkle flour mixture in two batches, gently tossing between each addition
- First Batch: Air fry half the cauliflower at 370°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking occasionally
- Second Batch: Repeat the cooking process with remaining cauliflower until golden brown
- Serve: Arrange on a platter with fresh veggie sticks and your choice of dressing
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect crispy coating on your buffalo cauliflower is super easy in the air fryer! The key is not overcrowding – that’s why we cook in batches. If you pack too many florets in there, they’ll steam instead of getting that amazing golden-brown finish. Give those florets a gentle shake during cooking to help them crisp up evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden-brown but still hold their shape nicely.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps:
- Make it gluten-free by using rice flour or chickpea flour instead of regular flour
- Prefer less heat? Mix your buffalo sauce with honey for a sweeter, milder sauce
- Add extra spices like cayenne or onion powder to the flour mixture for more kick
- Use vegan butter to make this dish completely plant-based
Serving Suggestions
These crispy bites make an amazing appetizer or snack! Serve them right away while they’re hot and crunchy. The classic combo of carrot and celery sticks adds a fresh crunch, while ranch or blue cheese dressing cools things down. Want to make it a meal? Throw these on top of a fresh salad, or serve them alongside a bowl of mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner!
Storage Tips
These buffalo cauliflower bites are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer when they’re super crispy. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Just keep in mind that the texture won’t be quite as perfect as when they’re fresh.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Microwave
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets, about 4-5 cups
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For Serving
- Carrot and Celery Sticks for serving
- Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Place cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the hot sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture over the cauliflower and toss until well coated.
- In a separate bowl whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the cauliflower and mix gently until everything is coated. Repeat with remaining flour mixture.
- Transfer half of the prepared cauliflower to the air fryer and cook at 370F/187C for 12-15 minutes, shaking a couple times during the cooking process, until the florets are golden brown but not mushy.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cauliflower. Serve with carrot and celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
