This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is crispy, spicy, and incredibly flavorful. Coated in tangy buffalo sauce and air fried until golden brown, it’s the perfect healthier alternative to classic buffalo wings.
Whether you serve it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer delivers all the bold flavor you love with a lighter twist. And so does this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip, which is a lightened up version of my reader favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip!
Why you’ll love buffalo cauliflower in the air fryer!
Everyone loves buffalo wings, but they’re not exactly a healthy snack. Want to give this spicy app a healthier twist? Then, make it with cauliflower and cook it in the air fryer!
This air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a delicious, vegetarian-friendly dish that is packed with flavor! My recipe has the classic spicy buffalo flavor everyone loves but pairs it with cauliflower for a more virtuous bite.
The air fryer adds an extra bit of crispiness to the outside of the cauliflower, making it perfect for snacking or as a side dish. (And no, you don’t need to be a vegetarian to enjoy these!)
- Crispy and flavorful: The air fryer creates the perfect crunchy coating.
- Healthier than wings: Lower in fat and calories than traditional buffalo wings.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A great plant-based appetizer.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and quick cooking time.
- Perfect for entertaining: A fun game-day snack or party appetizer.
Table of Contents
Ingredient Notes
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Cauliflower – Use a whole cauliflower, and slice it into pieces. Or, save time with ready-to-eat cauliflower florets. (Cauli lovers will also flip for this Cauliflower and Cheese Casserole!)
- Hot sauce – Frank’s Red Hot is the traditional choice, but Cholula works, too.
- Unsalted butter – If you only have salted butter on hand, just add less salt to the recipe.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and balances the spice.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and savory flavor.
- All-purpose flour – Creates a light coating that crisps up in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder – This is key to getting lots of garlicky flavor without crushing all those fresh garlic cloves!
- Paprika – We use regular paprika here, but you can use smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – Or try this French Fry Dip!
Variations
- To make your buffalo cauliflower dairy-free, substitute melted vegan butter for regular butter.
- Crumble bleu cheese over the cauliflower before serving.
- Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the cauliflower after it’s done cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- Prepare the cauliflower: Cut or break the cauliflower into 1 to 1 ½ inch florets. Prepare the dredging stations.
- Coat the cauliflower in the dry ingredients: Add the cauliflower florets to the wet mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Coat in the wet ingredients: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower into the seasoned flour mixture. Toss to coat.
- Air fry the cauliflower: Arrange the cauliflower pieces in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between them so the air can circulate. Bake at 375ºF for 12 to 15 minutes or until they’re lightly browned and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun ways to serve this buffalo cauliflower:
- Serve over a bed of greens for a healthy salad.
- Use it to make meatless tacos, wraps, and burritos.
- Toss with your favorite mac-and-cheese.
- Fold them into cheese quesadillas or even use them in a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Or, just go the traditional route and serve them with a bowl of creamy dip, carrots, and celery sticks!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving works but will make the cauliflower softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Buffalo cauliflower is a healthier alternative to wings as it’s lower in calories and fat. It also contains more fiber and vitamins than traditional wings, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthier snack.
If your cauliflower wings are soggy, it’s possible that the flour coating wasn’t applied evenly. Make sure to add enough flour and spices so there is a nice layer of crunchy coating on each piece. This will help them get crispy and delicious when air frying.
No, cauliflower wings are a vegetarian and vegan-friendly option (if you swap out the regular butter for vegan butter). They contain no meat, making them the perfect snack for those following plant-based diets.
Yes. You can substitute cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
More Game Day Appetizers To Try
Best Chicken Recipes
Instant Pot Hot Wings
All Recipes
Easy 4-Layer Fiesta Dip
Appetizers & Snacks
Soft Pretzel Bites
All Recipes
Chili Cheese Dip
💌 Love easy recipes? Join my newsletter and get my Top 10 Reader-Favorite Recipes eBook FREE! Sign up here.
Need help with this recipe?
Click the buttons below to summarize it, adjust for diets, swap ingredients, or ask your own questions!
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup hot sauce Frank’s RedHot or Cholula
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
To serve:
- 1 cup ranch or bleu cheese dressing
Instructions
- Chop or break apart the cauliflower into 1 to 1 ½ inch sized pieces.1 large head cauliflower
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika and salt. Set aside.½ cup all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, butter, vinegar and worcestershire sauce. Add the cauliflower pieces, tossing to coat evenly.½ cup hot sauce, 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower into the seasoned flour mixture. Toss to coat.
- Line the basket of the airfryer with the cauliflower pieces, leaving a small space in between so they don’t stick together.
- Bake at 375 F for 12 to 15 minutes until they are lightly brown and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, it may be necessary to bake these in separate batches.
- Serve with your choice of dressing.1 cup ranch or bleu cheese dressing
Notes
- Cut cauliflower into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Leave space in the air fryer basket for better crisping.
- Toss with extra buffalo sauce after cooking for stronger flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
Hi Kasey, thank you so much for your wonderfull recipes! I can’t wait to make them all! but I have a problem, I’m not a hot sauce lover, I can’t handle too much spicy food, do you have a variation to this recipe not to hot? maybe some kind of sauce that can replace the hot sauce?? Pleeeeaaaasssse!!! Regards.
Hi Wally! We’re so glad you enjoy the recipes. You can leave the hot sauce off or swap it with any other sauce you like best! BBQ would probably work well. 😊
We’d love to know what you think if you give the recipe a try!