This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is prepared in the air fryer for a quick weeknight meal that your family will love! Whether you’re craving a crispy snack or a veggie-packed dinner side, this recipe hits the mark. You can switch up the spices to suit your taste, or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” option to use up any leftover veggies!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 Medium Head of Cauliflower
- 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
- 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter – Melted
- Cooking Spray
Let’s Get Cooking: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
1. Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly, you want these beauties to be perfectly crispy every time! This step usually takes about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth, a couple of minutes of whisking should do the trick! The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
3. Coat the Cauliflower
Next, add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated! Shake off any excess batter before placing them into the air fryer. This step usually takes about 5 minutes too.
4. Air Fry the Cauliflower
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding (you may need to cook them in batches!). Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until they’re golden brown and crispy. The sound of sizzling is music to my ears!
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the cauliflower is air frying, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl, stirring well to combine. And can I just say? The smell is incredible! You’ll want to drench everything in this sauce.
6. Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce
Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl (don’t burn your fingers, trust me, I’ve done that before!). Pour the buffalo sauce over and toss until each floret is evenly coated. It’s messy in the best way!
7. Serve
Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately, piping hot from the air fryer! I love to pair it with some creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with a side of crunchy celery sticks. You won’t believe how satisfying this dish is!
Why I Love This Recipe
I can confidently call this my go-to recipe when I’m in the mood for comfort food that doesn’t make me feel guilty! My family absolutely adores this dish, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, seriously! And the best part is that it’s super flexible, you can use whatever veggies you’ve got hanging out in your fridge! It fits right into any busy weeknight dinner plan or fancy game-day snack spread.
If you loved this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Steak Bites, my Crispy Garlic Butter Air Fryer Shrimp, or my Air Fryer Cabbage Wedges!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower comes together in under 30 minutes! I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s ready in a flash? Just perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something fast but absolutely delicious.
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since everything is cooked in the air fryer, you’ll spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones! This is the best part for me; I can finish dinner without the giant pile of dishes lurking over me, or is it just me?
Comfort Food Loaded with Tons of Flavor
These little florets are covered in spicy buffalo goodness, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one! Seriously, the crunch, the spice, and the buttery taste combined? It’s like heaven on a plate. This recipe is comfort food at its finest!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can try different spices, alter the heat levels, or even make a sweet and spicy version with some honey or maple syrup mixed into the sauce. The options are endless and will have you experimenting in the kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Buffalo Cauliflower
These bites are perfect as a side dish or a game-day appetizer! Pair them with fresh veggies and dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even guacamole. I often serve them with a side salad for a wholesome meal.
Storage
You can store any leftovers (if there are any!) in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know, they won’t taste quite as crispy after sitting, but still super tasty!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes. This helps restore that delightful crunch, all without any unnecessary oil!
Freezer Friendly?
I would recommend eating them fresh as they don’t freeze very well. Honestly, once they’re cooked, there’s nothing quite like enjoying them hot from the air fryer.
And there you have it! My warm, cozy, and honestly delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. You’re going to love it. I promise! So go ahead, whip this up, and enjoy every crispy, spicy bite with your family and friends.
Happy cooking, y’all! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- While the cauliflower is air frying, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over, tossing until each floret is evenly coated.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately, piping hot from the air fryer with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.