Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower – cut into bite-sized florets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp unsalted butter – melted; Cooking spray

If you’re craving something spicy, crispy, and wildly satisfying (without all the guilt), my Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. Each bite delivers that irresistible crunch, soaked with zesty buffalo sauce and finished with just the right kiss of heat. This dish is quick to make, seriously addictive, and honestly, so fun to eat whether you’re serving it at a party or just indulging on the sofa. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll want to whip up this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe every chance you get.

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This crave-worthy recipe comes together with a handful of everyday heroes you probably already have. Each one plays a crucial part, from achieving that perfect golden crunch to dialing up the bold, vivid flavors that make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe unforgettable.

Cauliflower: The star of the show—cut into bite-sized florets for maximum crispiness and perfect saucy bite.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light, airy batter for the crunchiest coating, while staying beautifully tender inside.
Water: Helps bind the batter; adjust for ideal consistency that clings, but isn’t too thick.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic warmth that really livens up the batter.
Onion powder: Gives a savory depth of flavor—think classic comfort food vibes but totally plant-based.
Smoked paprika: Offers a whiff of smokiness and gorgeous color, supporting the bold buffalo flavor.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Gives a gentle background heat that interacts beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
Buffalo sauce: The game-changer—use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own for the signature tangy, spicy finish.
Unsalted butter: Melted and stirred in to add smoothness and round out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Cooking spray: Essential for crisping the cauliflower in the air fryer without extra oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by grabbing a medium head of cauliflower and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them all around the same size—this helps your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe cook evenly, so every piece turns out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside. Uniform pieces also ensure you get maximum sauce coverage in every bite. Set them aside while you get your batter ready.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You’ll know you’ve got it right when the batter is silky smooth, thick enough to coat a spoon, but still pourable. This simple step is essential for locking in flavor and creating the foundation for that signature crunch everyone loves in this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

Drop your cauliflower florets into the bowl of batter and gently turn them so every crevice is thoroughly coated. Once they’re covered, shake off any excess—this keeps the coating light and ensures you don’t end up with a gloopy mess in the air fryer basket. If possible, use your hands or a slotted spoon for the most even coverage.

Step 4: Air Fry the Cauliflower

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to keep things from sticking. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! You may need to cook in batches. Air fry them for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they’re turning golden and satisfyingly crisp. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible at this point!

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While your cauliflower gets its crunch on, take a small bowl and stir together the buffalo sauce with the melted unsalted butter. This transforms the sauce into a silkier, richer version that clings to the florets, making every bite of your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe irresistible.

Step 6: Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce

As soon as your cauliflower is out of the air fryer, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over everything, then gently toss to coat all the florets. Work quickly but carefully—cauliflower absorbs sauce best when it’s hot and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Your buffalo cauliflower is ready to make its debut! Serve immediately while it’s piping hot. I love it with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dunking, plus some crunchy celery sticks to round things out. This is the heart of every fabulous Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe experience.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a burst of color and freshness, perfectly balancing the spicy, tangy buffalo flavor. If you want just a touch more decadence, crumble some blue cheese or feta on top before serving—trust me, it’s a killer combo with this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe.

Side Dishes

Buffalo cauliflower loves company! Classic sides like crunchy celery and carrot sticks offer a cool, crisp contrast. For a heartier experience, pair it with loaded potato wedges, a light garden salad, or even pile the florets into wraps with lettuce, avocado, and extra buffalo drizzle. The Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is endlessly versatile here.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide your buffalo cauliflower onto skewers for party-ready finger food, or build a buffalo “bowl” with rice, shredded cabbage, and pickled onions. If you’re feeling bold, tuck them into tacos or pile them atop pizza for a spicy, plant-based twist that will wow everyone. This recipe is a real blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The coating will soften a bit as it sits, but the flavors mellow and meld in the most delicious way—making your next snack even more enticing.

Freezing

You can freeze the finished cauliflower, though the texture will lose some of that signature crunch when thawed. Spread cooled florets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. Remember to freeze before tossing in the buffalo sauce for best results, then sauce after reheating for the most authentic Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe experience.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat your buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, shaking halfway through. You can also use a hot oven, but microwaving will soften the coating. If you saved your sauce separately, toss the reheated florets with warm buffalo sauce just before serving to revive that fresh-from-the-air-fryer glory.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—the batter will still coat beautifully, and you’ll get that same perfect crisp. Just check the final consistency and add a splash more water if needed.

How spicy is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce—most are medium spicy, but you can always opt for a mild or extra-hot sauce to suit your crowd. Adding a little extra butter to the sauce also helps mellow the heat if you like things on the milder side.

Can I prepare the batter or cauliflower ahead of time?

To keep the coating fresh and crispy, it’s best to batter and air fry the cauliflower just before serving. You can, however, cut up the cauliflower florets in advance and store them in an airtight bag in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What are the best dipping sauces for Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

I highly recommend classic sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy, cooling contrast. You can also try a spicy aioli, vegan “ranch,” or even a simple yogurt dip—whatever fits your mood or dietary needs!

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! You may need to cook in several batches to avoid crowding the air fryer (which could affect crispiness), but the Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe scales up beautifully for parties, game days, and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a homemade Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, I hope this inspires you to jump in feet-first. This dish offers an unbeatable combination of crunch, spice, and pure comfort—plus it’s so easy to make from scratch. Grab a head of cauliflower and your favorite buffalo sauce, and bring some fiery fun to your next meal or gathering!