Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you love a snack that’s fiery, crunchy, and—bonus—better for you than the usual wings. This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly! It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but sneaks in some veggies, making it a win-win whether you’re serving game day guests or craving a flavorful snack late at night.

I remember the first time I made these—my family was skeptical at first, but one bite and they were hooked! The cauliflower gets that crispy coating and tangy buffalo kick that usually comes from deep frying, but you’re using your air fryer, so it’s quicker and less messy. Seriously, once you try this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe, it might just become your go-to appetizer or side for everything from casual dinners to weekend parties.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh cauliflower—no complicated sauces or obscure spices.
Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer crisps the cauliflower beautifully without needing to deep fry, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfect Buffalo Flavor: Using your favorite hot sauce ensures a classic, spicy tang that everyone recognizes and loves.
Versatile Snack or Side: Whether you’re craving something casual for yourself or a crowd-pleaser appetizer, it fits the bill.

A white plate with black splatter spots holds golden-orange fried cauliflower pieces stacked on the right side. On the left side, there are fresh green celery sticks, bright orange carrot sticks, and green celery leaves arranged neatly. A small white bowl filled with thick white dipping sauce is placed on the upper left part of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe come together so nicely to give that crispy, spicy bite you want without weighing you down. I always recommend picking a really fresh, compact head of cauliflower and a hot sauce that you love the flavor of—you’ll definitely taste it!

Hot sauce: I usually go with Frank’s RedHot or Cholula; they have that perfect balance of heat and flavor without overpowering the cauliflower.
Olive oil: Adds moisture so the sauce coats the cauliflower evenly and helps crisp it up during air frying.
Cauliflower florets: Choose firm heads with tight, white florets for the best texture and crunch.
All-purpose flour: This helps form the crispy coating that sticks to the buffalo sauce perfectly.
Cornstarch: Adds an extra level of crunch and helps keep the coating crisp after cooking.
Garlic powder: I love that little garlicky punch mixed into the coating—so authentic and tasty.
Kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the heat from the hot sauce.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with different heat levels and seasonings in this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe. Sometimes, I add a dash of smoked paprika or swap garlic powder for onion powder just to keep it interesting. Feel free to customize the level of spice or even try different hot sauces that suit your heat tolerance.

Mild Version: For a gentler kick, try mixing half hot sauce with some melted butter or a mild buffalo wing sauce; it keeps the flavor but cools things down.
Extra Crunch: If you want crunchier bites, toss the cauliflower in panko breadcrumbs after coating with the sauce-flour mixture.
Vegan Variation: This recipe already fits vegan diets if you skip butter-based sauces; just make sure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly.
Seasonal Twist: Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy—perfect for fall snacking!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Step 1: Coating the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce

Start by whisking together your hot sauce and olive oil in a big bowl—this blend keeps the sauce from being too harsh and helps it stick nicely. Next, toss in your cauliflower florets and gently mix them until every piece is coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. I find using my hands works best for an even coat, but a big spoon works just fine.

Step 2: Dusting with the Crispy Flour Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Then, transfer the sauced cauliflower into this dry mix, shaking off any excess sauce first if you can. Toss everything with your hands or a spoon so that each floret has a nice, even layer—this is the secret behind that incredible crunch.

Step 3: Air Frying to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the florets in a single layer in the basket—it’s okay if they touch a bit, but try to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking or tossing the florets every 5 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a beautiful golden brown and a crispy texture that holds up when you bite into it.

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Giving the cauliflower room to cook evenly is key to getting crispy edges instead of soggy pieces.
Toss Halfway: Shaking or turning the florets midway ensures even browning and prevents burning.
Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresher florets hold up better in the air fryer and yield the best texture.
Sauce-to-Flour Ratio: Too much sauce makes the coating gummy—toss off excess before dredging in flour mixture.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

The image shows seven golden brown fried cauliflower pieces arranged in a round black air fryer basket, with some crispy edges and a textured crunchy surface. The cauliflower pieces are spread evenly, showing white stems at the bottom with the fried coating covering the tops and sides, while part of the air fryer lid is partially open on the right side revealing a reflective dark surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish off my buffalo cauliflower with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes some celery sticks on the side balance the heat perfectly. These simple garnishes add that cool contrast I love.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like carrot sticks, celery, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, I often serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy coleslaw—both soak up the heat and add texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served buffalo cauliflower in mini slider buns with a touch of ranch and shredded lettuce—so fun and unexpected! Another trick is to pile them high on a platter and top with crumbled blue cheese and celery ribbons—it looks stunning and tastes incredible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower keeps pretty well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I recommend reheating it in the air fryer or oven rather than the microwave to keep that crisp exterior intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover buffalo cauliflower with decent results—just spread the cooled florets on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy again.

Reheating

Reheating in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes works wonders to crisp the cauliflower back up without drying it out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch!

FAQs

Can I make this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and hot sauce are gluten-free as well. The texture and flavor stay delicious with these simple changes.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe?

The heat level really depends on the hot sauce you use. Frank’s RedHot is moderately spicy, but you can always dial it down with milder sauces or add butter to mellow the heat. Adjust to your taste preference!
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

You can bake the cauliflower in the oven at 425°F on a rimmed baking sheet, turning occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes. It won’t be exactly the same crunch as the air fryer but still very tasty.
Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is vegan as is, assuming your hot sauce doesn’t contain animal products. Always check the label to be sure.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cut the cauliflower into florets up to three days in advance and keep it refrigerated. I like to toss everything right before air frying so it stays extra fresh and crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is one of my absolute favorites for getting that classic spicy crunch without the guilt. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, which means it’ll fit right into your weeknight routine or weekend entertaining playbook. I hope you love making—and eating—it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this spicy, crispy cauliflower over and over again!

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe offers a delicious, spicy, and crispy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day or any occasion. The cauliflower is coated in a tangy hot sauce and a flavorful seasoned batter, then air fried to golden perfection ensuring a healthier alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings.

Ingredients

Buffalo Sauce Mixture

1/3 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot or Cholula
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cauliflower Batter

1 medium head cauliflower (1 1/2 to 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup hot sauce and 2 tablespoons olive oil until fully combined, creating a flavorful buffalo sauce base.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the 5 cups of cauliflower florets to the buffalo sauce mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
Mix the Batter Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to form a seasoned coating mixture.
Coat in Batter: Using a slotted spoon or your hands, transfer the buffalo sauce coated cauliflower from the first bowl to the flour mixture, leaving excess sauce behind. Toss gently to ensure the florets are evenly coated with the batter mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat, ideally in a 5 1/2-quart or larger model for best results.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Place the coated cauliflower florets in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. Slight overlapping is acceptable but avoid overcrowding.
Cook and Toss: Air fry the cauliflower for 15 to 20 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until the florets are hot, crispy, and lightly browned on the edges.

Notes

Make ahead: The cauliflower can be washed, trimmed, and cut into florets up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For extra crispiness, consider spraying the florets with a little cooking oil before air frying.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste for milder or spicier buffalo flavor.