Air fryer buffalo cauliflower is a fun, flavorful appetizer or side that’s actually healthy too! Cauliflower is tossed with spicy buffalo sauce and seasonings and air fried to crispy perfection.
Pin this recipe now to save it for later
Pin RecipeEveryone 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!)
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings Recipe
The key to making delicious air fryer buffalo cauliflower is the spicy, tangy flavor of the buffalo sauce. The combination of hot sauce and butter gives the dish a unique and flavorful kick that you won’t be able to resist! And, because it’s cooked in the air fryer, there’s no need to worry about oil splattering all over your kitchen.
Serve buffalo cauliflower as a side dish with burgers or crockpot hot dogs or as a game-day snack when you’re entertaining friends and family. Just don’t forget to pair it with Ranch dressing for dipping!
Grab My Favorite Tools
Click on the products below to see my favorite tools for making this recipe!
Ingredients For Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
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.
- 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
- Worcestershire sauce
- All-purpose flour
- 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.
- Kosher salt
To serve:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
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.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Frank’s red hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the wet mixture, tossing to coat evenly. 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.
- Serve: Plate the air fryer buffalo cauliflower, and serve with your choice of dressing.
Quick Tip
Don’t overstuff the air fryer basket with cauliflower! If it is all packed in there, the cauliflower will not crisp up and will just be mushy. For the best results, leave a bit of space between each piece. Cook the cauliflower in batches if needed to get that super crispy crunch on the outside.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Transfer leftover buffalo cauliflower to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. While you can microwave the cauliflower, I recommend using the air fryer for reheating, because it will help the cauliflower get crispy again.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun ways to serve this air fryer 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!
FAQs
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.
More Game Day Appetizers To Try
Appetizers & Snacks
The Best Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
Dips & Dressings
Pretzel Cheese Dip
Appetizers & Snacks
Mac and Cheese Bites
Appetizers & Snacks
35+ Delicious Crock Pot Dips You’ll Love
Recipe Roundup
33+ Best Easy Super Bowl Appetizers
Appetizers & Snacks
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
Equipment
- 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
