Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

Craving the irresistible tang and heat of Buffalo wings, but want something lighter and totally plant-based? This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe brings you all the spicy, saucy joy—minus the guilt (and the mess!). Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and blanketed in a zesty buffalo sauce, each bite is absolutely addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create the bold, craveable flavor and crispy texture in this Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. Each one adds something important—don’t skip a thing!

• Large cauliflower: Chop into equal-sized florets for even cooking and maximum crunch.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy outer layer—use gluten-free if you need to keep it celiac-friendly.
• Milk (soy recommended): Helps the batter coat every nook. Any plant-based or dairy milk will work here!
• Salt & pepper: Just a pinch of each brings all the flavors together.
• Buffalo hot sauce: Frank’s is classic, but use your absolute favorite for custom spicy flair.
• Butter (melted): Stirred into the sauce for silkiness, richness, and that signature Buffalo finish—use vegan butter if you prefer.

Variations

The beauty of Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is how easily you can switch things up! Whether you’re catering to allergies or just craving a new twist, feel free to get creative with these suggestions.

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that’s just as crispy.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a completely dairy-free, flavorful snack or side.
• Extra Heat: Add a dash of cayenne or a few shakes of your favorite spicy pepper sauce to the Buffalo mix for serious firepower.
• Mild & Kid-Friendly: Use a milder hot sauce—or mix part Buffalo sauce with part BBQ sauce—for less heat without sacrificing flavor.
• Cauliflower “Wings” with Ranch: Serve with classic vegan (or regular) ranch for that real sports-bar feel.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Step 1: Whisk the Batter

Start by adding flour, milk, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps—it should be thick enough to cling, but thin enough to coat the florets evenly. This little step makes all the difference in achieving a uniform, crisp coating!

Step 2: Dredge the Cauliflower

Working quickly, dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and use a fork or your (clean!) hands to make sure they’re completely covered on all sides. Shake off any excess and arrange the battered florets in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Crisp

Pop the basket into your air fryer and cook at 200°C/400°F for 13–15 minutes. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through to ensure even browning. The result: gorgeously golden, crunchy cauliflower bites begging for their spicy bath.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the cauliflower crisps up, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter in a clean bowl until smooth and glossy. This is the real flavor punch—don’t skimp! Taste and adjust heat, if you like, by adding a splash more sauce or an extra pat of butter.

Step 5: Sauce & Serve

Once the air fryer timer goes off, quickly (but gently!) toss the hot, crispy cauliflower in the Buffalo sauce. Give every piece a loving coat, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately for peak crunch and maximum sauciness—trust me, you won’t want to wait!

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Garnishes

Finish your Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley, a handful of sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for flair. A side of cool ranch or blue cheese dip (vegan or conventional) delivers that creamy contrast everyone loves!

Side Dishes

Pair these spicy bites with crunchy celery sticks, carrots, and maybe a crisp green salad to add some freshness. They also make an amazing side for veggie burgers, wraps, or even a hearty grain bowl if you’re looking for a full meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the saucy cauliflower “wings” on a platter with small ramekins of dip for a fun party vibe. Or tuck them into tacos with slaw, wrap them in lettuce leaves for a low-carb snack, or load them onto nachos for the ultimate game day treat. The sky’s the limit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days. Just know, their crunchy exterior will soften once chilled, but the flavor remains bold and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal, since the coating can lose crispness, but you can freeze battered, cooked (un-sauced) cauliflower for up to a month. To serve, thaw, air fry briefly, then toss in sauce for a close-to-fresh experience.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, pop them back in the air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes until heated through and crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch but will leave them soft, so the air fryer is always your friend here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a shareable, seriously flavorful snack, give Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower a try. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll win over veggie skeptics and heat lovers alike—so pull out your air fryer and let’s get snacking!

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