Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is a delightful dish that brings a cozy, spicy twist to your meal table. It’s perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dinner. This lighter version of buffalo wings offers a crispy texture and rich flavor without all the fuss. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks will feel like pros!

Why You Will Love This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This recipe is fantastic for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and appeals to both kids and adults. The ingredients are simple and usually found in your pantry. You can whip this up in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy families. Plus, the air fryer gives it that delightful crunch without needing to fry in oil, keeping it healthier too!

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Making Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is straightforward and fun! Start by preparing your cauliflower and whisking together the batter. Coat the florets well, then air fry to crispy perfection. Finally, toss them in a rich buffalo sauce for that delicious flavor. It’s a simple, hands-on process perfect for everyone.

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess batter before placing them in the air fryer.
Air Fry the Cauliflower: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the battered cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the buffalo sauce with the melted butter in a small bowl.
Toss the Cauliflower in Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss until each floret is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the buffalo cauliflower immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

This dish is great served as a snack, appetizer, or side. Pair it with creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese for dipping. It also goes perfectly with fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks for a crunch. You can serve it at parties or enjoy it as a family-friendly meal alongside a light salad.

How to Store Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten buffalo cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the air fryer again for a few minutes until it’s warm and crispy. For longer storage, you can freeze the coated (but uncooked) cauliflower, then air fry it straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Recipe Tips

Ensure Even Cooking: Cut your cauliflower florets all the same size for even cooking.
Watch the Timing: Keep an eye on the cauliflower as different air fryers may cook at different rates.
Use Cooking Spray: Don’t forget to spray the basket to prevent sticking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches for the best texture.
Adjust the Heat: If the buffalo sauce is too spicy for kids, consider mixing in a bit of honey for sweetness.

Variations & Swaps

Spicy Alternative: Add extra cayenne pepper to the batter for more heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle some grated cheese over the cauliflower at the end of cooking for a cheesy topping.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and coat the cauliflower florets ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry. This can save time on busy nights!

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing the leftover cooked buffalo cauliflower isn’t the best option as it may affect the texture. However, you can freeze the unbattered florets for future use.

How do I reheat them?
To reheat, simply place the pieces back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they are crispy again.

What dips go well with this dish?
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing are great for dipping. You can also serve with a creamy avocado dip or a yogurt-based sauce for a lighter option.

What mistakes should I avoid?
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Also, ensure your batter is the right consistency for proper coating on the cauliflower.