Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

These air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites offer all the zing and crunch you crave from classic buffalo wings, but in a lighter, veggie-forward form. The first time I made these for a game night, they disappeared before halftime and now they are a weekly staple at our house.

My family loves these for weeknight snacking or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The tangy heat never fails to impress our guests and has converted even the staunchest cauliflower doubters.

Ingredients

• Cauliflower florets: fresh and firm produce gives the best texture avoid wilting or browning
• All-purpose flour: gives the batter body and crunch choose unbleached for a cleaner taste
• Buffalo sauce: pick your favorite for the right level of heat for your crowd try to use one with a short ingredient list for bold flavor
• Garlic powder and onion powder: build savory flavor through the batter look for fresh spices as they lose strength over time
• Smoked paprika: offers just a wisp of gentle smokiness Spanish smoked paprika is especially nice for this
• Unsalted butter: helps mellow the hot sauce always use good-quality butter for the glossiest finish
• Cooking spray: ensures those crispy edges across every piece choose a neutral oil option

Instructions

Prep the Cauliflower:

Chop your cauliflower into even, bite-sized florets. Rinse them and dry thoroughly on a clean towel so the batter clings well.

Mix the Batter:

Grab a large bowl and whisk together all-purpose flour with water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the batter is silky smooth and thick enough to coat.

Batter the Florets:

Tip the florets into your bowl and toss them gently until every curve and crevice is covered. Let any extra batter drip off so you do not end up with soggy bites.

Arrange in Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes at medium-high. Mist the basket with cooking spray so nothing will stick. Arrange cauliflower pieces in a single layer with breathing room between them. Work in batches if needed.

Cook Until Crisp:

Air fry for twelve to fifteen minutes shaking the basket once halfway through. The coating should be golden and delicate with the cauliflower fork-tender inside.

Make Buffalo Coating:

In a small bowl whisk buffalo sauce together with melted butter. This adds shine and rounds out the sharpness of the hot sauce for that perfect sticky finish.

Toss in Sauce:

Right as they come out piping hot tip the crispy florets into a big mixing bowl and pour over the buffalo sauce. Toss with a wide spatula until every piece is glossy and bright.

Serve Right Away:

Buffalo cauliflower is tastiest hot and crispy. Serve with plenty of celery and your favorite creamy dip for a cooling contrast.

The smoked paprika is my secret touch for bringing extra flavor to the party. My kids especially love sneaking crispy pieces straight from the bowl before they even reach the table.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover buffalo cauliflower in a ventilated container to keep it from getting soggy. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at three hundred seventy five degrees for max crisp. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but I often tuck them into wraps or salads the next day.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap all-purpose flour for chickpea or rice flour if you need a gluten-free option. You can use any hot sauce you like if buffalo is too spicy. For a dairy-free variation use vegan butter in the sauce.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile onto a platter with sticks of celery and carrot for parties. Serve over crisp greens for a hearty lunch salad topped with blue cheese crumbles. We even use leftovers in grain bowls or tucked inside lettuce wraps for a zippy lunch.

The Story Behind This Recipe

I came up with this recipe after my oldest went vegetarian. We wanted something with that familiar game-day hot sauce flavor but lighter on the greasy fingers. Now it is our top-requested appetizer for birthdays and potlucks.

Adapting for Every Season

Roast the cauliflower in the oven if you do not have an air fryer still crispy but a bit more caramelized. Try barbecue sauce in summer or a sweet chili glaze for a change of pace. Top winter veggie bowls with these buffalo bites for a spicy twist.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prep and batter the cauliflower but do not cook. Lay pieces on a tray to freeze then store in a bag. Air fry from frozen for a couple extra minutes and toss with the sauce for instant snacks.

Everyone who tries these asks for the recipe and more than once I have seen the plate get emptied before everything else at the party. You will love how simple and foolproof they are to make at home and your friends will too.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I ensure the cauliflower turns out crispy?

Make sure each floret is evenly coated with batter and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate properly.

→ Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?

Yes, homemade buffalo sauce works great! Just mix it with melted butter before tossing with the cauliflower.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?

Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic choices. Try serving with celery sticks for extra freshness.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for a similar crispy coating.

→ Should I preheat the air fryer?

Preheating the air fryer helps the cauliflower start cooking right away, promoting a crispier exterior.